Iran criticizes French crackdown on protesters

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast deplored the Sarkozy government's arrest of nearly 400 people across France on New Year's Eve.

Mehman-Parast called on Paris to identify the source of unrest in the country. "Instead of attacking people, the French government should identify the origins of the recent unrest."

"By torching more than 1,137 cars in different cities, the French people clearly want to show their dissatisfaction with economic inequality and social dysfunction in their country."

French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said in a statement that 405 arrests were made across the country, a figure that has doubled compared to last year.

The French Interior Ministry had reportedly mobilized around 45,000 police officers during the night to confront discontent youth from immigrant-heavy suburbs.

Car burnings occasionally take place in France, but the number traditionally soars on New Year's Eve.

This year, more than 70 cars had been reportedly set aflame only in the eastern city of Strasbourg. Meanwhile, police in the Hauts-de-Seine district near Paris reported 32 cases of arson.

/Press TV/