President Ramaphosa urges restraint and peaceful dialogue in Iran

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm and peaceful dialogue in Iran, as waves of protests continue in the Middle Eastern country. 

For the past two weeks, Iran has been gripped by nationwide protests as thousands of its citizens have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the government. 

Iran’s security forces have cracked down on protests while the country faces an internet blackout. 

The DA released a statement on Wednesday urging the South African government to report the Iranian government to the United Nations for human rights abuses and suppression of civilian protests. 

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Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Ramaphosa is concerned about the developments in Iran. 

“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," Magwenya said.

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

"Sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through solutions that center the agency of the Iranian people,” he added.