JAKARTA - President Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday hailed Iran as a guarantor of rights and freedom, defending the government system amid a crackdown on anti-government protests that the United Nations says have claimed more than 300 lives.
Meanwhile, the country's top security agency said some 200 people, including members of the security forces, were killed in the riots, a figure much lower than the world body and rights group gave.
"Iran has the most progressive constitution in the world for marrying ideals with democracy," President Raisi said in a speech to lawmakers, citing an unidentified African lawyer he met several years ago.
"Constitution guarantees (the existence) of an Islamic system," he said, adding it also "jamining the basic rights and legal freedoms."
Meanwhile, Mizan's news agency quoted the state security board, Ministry of Home Affairs as saying 200 people were killed in a recent "crush".
Last Monday, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said about 300 people, including members of the security forces, had died in recent riots.
Meanwhile, Javaid Rehman, an independent UN-appointed expert in Iran, said on Tuesday more than 300 people died in the protests, including more than 40 children.
Human rights group HRANA said that as of Friday 469 protesters had been killed, including 64 minors. It said 61 government security forces were also killed. In addition, 18,210 protesters are believed to have been arrested.
Protests in Iran entered its third month, triggered by the death of Kurdi woman Mahsa Amini (22), in the custody of a morality police who enforces strict mandatory headscarf rules.
Demonstrations have turned into a 'insurgency' by angry Iranians from all walks of life, which has been one of the boldest challenges against the Tehran government since the 1979 revolution.
Not affected by the brutal crackdown, protesters have shouted slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and have repeatedly demanded an end to the current government.
Social media videos showed new protests on Saturday night in parts of Tehran's capital, including the eastern Haft Howz area where protesters were heard chanting: "Muture Khamenei must be executed." Reuters could not immediately verify the footage.
Authorities have blamed the uprising on foreign enemies, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
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