Iran’s top judge vows swift trials and executions of detained protesters as anti-regime call gathers pace – Firstpost

Iran’s judiciary signals swift justice for protesters amid unprecedented death toll. US President Donald Trump warns of strong retaliation as tensions mount over Tehrans crackdown.

Judiciary chief threatens rapid punishment

Iran’s senior judicial authority Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei declared intentions for accelerated court proceedings and possible capital punishment against those arrested during widespread unrest challenging the ruling system. Speaking in a state broadcast video on Tuesday he stressed urgency in handling cases warning that prolonged delays would weaken deterrent effects. These statements directly defy cautions from Trump who vowed decisive measures should executions proceed following reports of mass casualties. The rhetoric escalates fears of further bloodshed after weeks of demonstrations sparked by economic collapse.

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Activists report staggering fatalities

Rights monitors based overseas tallied at least 2572 lives lost in the governments suppression campaign a figure surpassing tolls from prior waves of dissent over decades and evoking turmoil of the 1979 revolution. Communication blackouts initially shrouded details but restored lines revealed scale of violence on Tuesday. Trump reacting to these numbers halted all diplomatic outreach vowing appropriate responses to what he termed excessive force. Protests ignited late December over currency crashes and soaring living costs have morphed into broad rejection of clerical rule drawing brutal reprisals.

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Pakistani students flee chaos

Around 60 Pakistani scholars pursuing studies in Iran crossed back through Balochistans remote Gabd post on Tuesday carrying valid papers confirmed Quetta immigration chief Samina Raisani. Additional groups anticipated same route Wednesday as universities postponed assessments allowing foreign enrollees exit amid insecurity. Ambassador Mudassir Tipu noted Tehrans flexibility for internationals underscoring regional spillovers from domestic strife. These returns highlight dangers facing expatriates caught in escalating confrontations.

Starlink pierces internet blackout

Satellite firm Starlink activated complimentary access for Iranians possessing terminals providing sole external lifeline after regime severed terrestrial networks last Thursday. Los Angeles activist Mehdi Yahyanejad who facilitated device smuggling verified services launch with online peers echoing success. This bypass sustains information flow and organiser coordination during isolation tactics deployed to stifle mobilisations. Absent official Starlink statement the move bolsters circumvention efforts against censorship throttling dissent.

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Global scrutiny intensifies pressure

Mohseni Ejeis posture collides with international outcry demanding restraint and accountability for alleged atrocities. Trumps termination of talks signals hardened US stance potentially paving way for sanctions or worse amid Irans defiance. Casualty counts dwarf benchmarks from 2019 fuel charge revolts or 2022 womens rights uprising cementing this episode as deadliest repression in modern history. Student evacuations expose vulnerabilities beyond borders while tech interventions expose regimes control limits. Tehran grapples dual internal revolt and external isolation testing leadership resilience as protests persist.

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