Iran ‘just getting started’ on punishing ‘rioters’ arrested during protests

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Maziar MotamediJanuary 20, 2026 at 08:09 AM
Iran ‘just getting started’ on punishing ‘rioters’ arrested during protests

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Iranian officials are promising harsh punishments for those arrested during recent nationwide protests, with the judiciary chief stating their work has "just started." Authorities are reportedly confiscating assets of people backing protesters to pay for damages incurred during the unrest. The internet remains largely blocked across Iran despite a brief reconnection period. President Ejei, President Pezeshkian, and parliament chief Ghalibaf met and promised decisive action against "murderers and terrorist seditionists," while suggesting leniency for those "tricked" into protesting. These actions come after President Trump warned of potential US strikes if Iran triggered mass killings during the protests, which Iranian authorities blame on the US and Israel. Iran's Supreme Leader admitted "several thousands" were killed during the protests, blaming foreign agents.

Keywords

iran protests 100% punishment 90% rioters 80% asset confiscation 70% digital blackout 60% foreign powers 50% donald trump 50% judiciary 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative
Score: -0.60

Source Transparency

Source
Al Jazeera
Political Lean
Center (0.00)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%
Geographic Perspective
Iran

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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