South Africa Calls on Iran to Permit Peaceful Protests

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Iran to grant its citizens the freedom to protest peacefully.

“South Africa firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be upheld without exception,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

This comes in the wake of countrywide protests that have erupted, with citizens demonstrating dissent against the government and Iranian security forces brutally cracking down on the protestors.

CNN reported on Thursday that at least 2,400 demonstrators had been killed since the start of the crackdown.

he protests were sparked by a deepening economic crisis that has evolved into a widespread anti-government movement. The events have been described as the largest uprising since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

We call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace.

The South African Presidency released a statement on Thursday, saying that the government is following the developments in Iran with concern.

“The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

“We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace.”