Iran arrests four foreigners for participating in riots

Iranian authorities have arrested four foreigners on charges of ‘participating in riots and disorder.’ File photo

Iranian authorities have arrested four foreigners on charges of ‘participating in riots and disorder’ amid ongoing unrest following a violent crackdown across the country last month, state television reported, citing AFP.

Iranian state television reported that the four were arrested in a raid on a hideout in the capital Tehran. However, no details were released about the nationalities of the arrested or when they were arrested.

The Times of Israel report also said that ‘four homemade stun grenades were seized from the bag of one of the arrested, which were used during riots and disorder.’ Authorities claim that these explosive devices were planted to spread violence during recent protests.

It is worth noting that security forces launched a crackdown on anti-government protests in various cities in Iran last month. International human rights organizations claim that many people were killed and injured in the crackdown. The Iranian government, however, has been describing the protests as a “foreign conspiracy” and “activities that undermine internal security.”

Observers see the arrest of the four foreigners as part of that ongoing crackdown. However, the government has not yet released any formal indictments, legal status, or clear information about the trial process against them.