South Africa has called on Iranian authorities to uphold fundamental rights as nationwide protests in the Middle Eastern country intensify, leaving scores of people dead and prompting growing international concern.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said the South African government was “following developments in Iran with concern” amid reports of escalating unrest and a mounting death toll.
The protests, now in their second week, were sparked by public anger over economic hardship, political repression and long‑standing grievances about restrictions on civil liberties.
Demonstrations have spread across major Iranian cities, with security forces accused by rights groups of using excessive force to quell dissent.
Pretoria urged all parties to exercise restraint and emphasised that the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and freedom of association are “universal human rights that must be upheld without exception.”
“We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace,” it said.
It called on Iranian authorities to ensure citizens are able to demonstrate safely and without intimidation.
The Presidency added that long‑term stability in Iran depends on “solutions that centre the agency of the Iranian people,” signalling South Africa’s support for dialogue and a rights‑based approach to resolving the crisis.
JN/APA