The state security forces arrested a number of people who attended a gathering in the northern city of Gonbad Kavus Tuesday to protest a decision by a court to clear a guard of rape charges.
Hundreds of protesters poured into the streets in the northern Gonbad Kavus region, Golestan province, Tuesday, March 23, after a security guard was only charged with kidnapping two girls despite accusations of rape and sexual abuse.
The families of two seven- and eight-year-old girls had filed a judicial complaint and pressed charges of rape against the security guard. In response the regime’s public prosecutor in Gonbad Kavus claimed “the forensics report has denied any sign of rape” and said the accused security guard has been summoned and after questioning has been charged with “kidnapping.”
Locals were demanding stricter action against the man who is said to be a retired Revolutionary Guard officer.
State media reported that some protesters had attacked and damaged public property. Videos circulating on social media show peaceful protestors confronted by security forces.
Protesters clashed with security forces only after police fired tear gas at the crowds. According to reports, security forces and riot police were also dispatched from nearby cities to further control protests.
The state-run ILNA News Agency quoted the Gonbad Kavus Chief of Judiciary who threatened protesters and said some had been arrested.
“A group of citizens gathered outside the Judiciary who wanted the case to be examined quickly and unfortunately, some of them damaged public property, and were identified and arrested,” Yazdani said.
He also said the Judiciary would “seriously” deal with “norm breakers”.
