Iran summons British envoy, alleging UK meddling in unrest

5/10/2022 19:12

        Iran summoned Britain's ambassador for the second time since nationwide protests erupted last month, Iranian media reported on Wednesday, stepping up accusations of Western meddling in ongoing unrest sparked by a woman's death in police custody.
        
        Iran has accused foes including the United States of orchestrating the unrest, which marks the biggest challenge to the country's clerical rulers in years with protesters calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic.
        
        People across Iran have joined protests since 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in the custody of morality police who detained her in Tehran on Sept. 13 for "inappropriate attire".
        
        Videos shared on social media on Wednesday showed high school girls in Tehran taking off their headscarves and chanting "death to (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei". Reuters could not independently verify the videos.
        
        The authorities are waging a deadly crackdown to suppress the unrest, suggesting concern at the scope of the protests even if observers do not believe the government is close to being toppled.