Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said his people have the right to protest and criticize the government, in his first public response to nationwide anti-establishment protests that have stretched into a fourth day. On Saturday, as a counter to the protests, state-sponsored rallies took place around the country.
Protests in Iran
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A university student attends a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 30, 2017. A wave of spontaneous protests over Iran's weak economy swept into Tehran Saturday, with college students and others chanting against the government just hours after hard-liners held their own rally in support of the clerical establishment.
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Iranian students run for cover from tear gas at the University of Tehran during a demonstration driven by anger over economic problems, in the capital Tehran, Iran, Dec. 30, 2017.
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Police vehicles are seen during a protest near the university of Tehran, Iran, Dec. 30, 2017, in this picture obtained from social media.
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Iranian students scuffle with police at the University of Tehran during a demonstration driven by anger over economic problems, in the capital Tehran, Iran, Dec. 30, 2017.
