Iran warns Saudi Arabia over its nationwide media coverage of anti-hijab protests

In latest development, Iran warned Saudi Arabia over media coverage of its countrywide protests. he of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warning to Riyh for its Persian-language media's reporting on Iranian protesters, furr claiming that Saudi Arabia must control its media. According to Iran International report, Hossein Salami, a hardliner, asserted that Saudi Arabia has been attempting to incite Iranian youth. He even said that if y do not control ir media, repercussions would not be averted. 

 IRGC commander Salami said, “I have a recommendation to Saudi Arabia, which is trying to trick our youth with support of some media outlets. I am warning Saudi regime: Be careful of your behaviour and control se outlets or smoke will blow in your face,” Al-Monitor reported. He went on to say, “We give you final word because you are interfering in our internal affairs with se media. We told you, be careful.”  

This recent warning came at time when demonstrations across Iran erupted following 22-year-old Mahsa Amini's death, who was held by morality police after being arrested for improperly wearing her hescarf. 

Hossein Salami said that Iran's approach toward its neighbours is based on "friendship and good neighbourliness" as well as "correct political engagement," however, Tehran's stance would alter if neighbours harm security of Iranian people and state, Iran International report reported.  

At least 40 journalists arrested in Iran while covering protest

It is pertinent to mention that threats by Salami have been me against Farsi-speaking media organisations which are hequartered abro, including BBC Persian, Manoto TV, Iran International, and VOA, Iran International report reported. This is because of fact that cleric government frequently threatens family members of journalists on se networks within Iran and clogs se TV stations to prevent Iranians from learning about its crackdown on protestors. 

Furrmore, Iranian government has stepped up its crackdown on journalists and activists. A recent report by Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated that at least 40 journalists have alrey been jailed amid turmoil in Iran caused by unfortunate death of an Iranian woman. Since beginning of demonstrations, Iran has also been experiencing internet disruptions, with limitations on what Iranians may search for online, along with interference with social media activity.  

At least 201 people have died as a result of demonstrations, including 23 children, according to Iran Human Rights' most recent figures. Human rights organisations asserted that crackdown has only become harsher despite government's announcement that it is investigating civilian casualties. 

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