Nigeria: Trump urges Iranians to continue protesting against country’s theocratic leadership

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

US President Donald Trump has urged Iranians to continue protesting against their country’s theocratic leadership, saying “help is on its way” amidst international outrage over the government’s crackdown on protesters. The protests, which began on December 28, have resulted in at least 2,571 deaths, including 2,403 protesters, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Iranian authorities claim to have regained control, but rights groups accuse the government of fatally shooting protesters and hiding the true scale of the crackdown with an internet blackout. Trump has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing stops and encouraged protesters to take over institutions and document the names of “killers and abusers.

European nations, including France, Germany, and the UK, have summoned Iranian ambassadors to protest the “state violence” against peaceful protesters. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has vowed further sanctions against those responsible.