An official appeared to say Iran's 'morality police' would close. The truth is more thorny
USA TodayNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Monday, Iran announced the execution of a second prisoner in less than a week, who was detained and convicted of "waging war against God," amid nationwide anti-government protests.
The executed man, identified as Majidreza Rahnavard, was accused of fatally stabbing two members of the security forces and wounding four others in the city of Mashhad on Nov. 17. Iranian media identified those killed as "student" volunteers of the Basij paramilitary force.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
In condemning Tehran's crackdown, the West is once again exercising double standards. No government in the world would stand idly by as rioters destroy public property and terrorists masquerading as protesters randomly target security forces. Moreover, the majority of the Iranian population refuses to join the protests, which are being fueled by the hypocritical West to destabilize Iran and instigate a civil war like in Syria.
Pro-establishment narrative
Only an illegitimate and inhumane government like the theocratic regime in Tehran kills people who take to the streets for legitimate causes. In the past, the international community turned a blind eye as Tehran mass executed its own citizens. This time, the West can no longer remain silent, given the ruthlessness of the religious establishment that rules Iran. It's no longer a matter of reforming the existing government but of overthrowing this tyrannical regime.
