USA: Victims of the Iranian Government Will Not Be Forgotten

Washington has once again assured that it is closely monitoring the protests in Iran and the violence against protesters, and will not forget the victims and the people who have taken to the streets. The U.S. State Department issued a statement on Thursday, January 4, signed by Heather Nauert, the department's spokesperson, stating: "The people of Iran have expressed that they demand respectful treatment, an end to corruption, transparency, and increased economic opportunities. Protesters have also asked the Iranian government not to spend Iran's wealth on military adventures abroad anymore." The statement adds: "Unfortunately, the Iranian government continues to imprison and kill those brave individuals who risk their lives to be present in the streets." So far, at least 22 people have died during the protests that began last week in Iran. Reports also indicate the arrest of hundreds of protesters. Meanwhile, Iranian security forces have arrested at least 37 student activists in recent days. The U.S. State Department emphasized that Washington "supports the legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people and urges the Iranian government to facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information." The statement says: "We all should be able to enjoy fundamental political and economic freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest." The U.S. State Department condemned the killing of several protesters and the arrest of "at least a thousand" of them, addressing the victims of the Iranian government's violence by stating, "You will not be forgotten." Previously, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, promised that the protesters would witness significant American support for them. Mike Pence, Trump's Vice President, also stated that the U.S. would use all its economic power against the Iranian government in this situation. Iran has protested these statements and accused the U.S. of being involved in the unrest.