As Ahmad-Reza Radan reported, "important figures involved in the riots were arrested last night (January 10). If it is God's will, they will face punishment after all necessary legal procedures are completed."
The Iranian state television and radio company IRIB also showed footage of the arrests of protesters in Shiraz and Mazandaran, but did not disclose details about the number of those arrested or their identities. According to Tasnim, citing sources in the security forces, at least 200 leaders of armed groups accused of organizing mass riots in the country have been detained.
Protests in Iran began in late December due to a sharp decline in the national currency and rising prices. Protesters are demanding a change of the political regime and the return to power of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the overthrown Shah in 1979. According to Time magazine, at least 217 people have died during the unrest, while Iranian authorities reported the deaths of 15 police officers during the protests.
