Iranian President Warns Protesters Against Using Violence

Iranian President Hassan Rohani said citizens in his nation were "absolutely free" to criticize the authorities and protest, but he warned against the use of violence in public demonstrations. Rohani made the comments on Iranian state TV on December 31, his first speech since widespread protests began in the country. Rohani also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for sympathizing with antigovernment protesters. (IRINN via AP, Reuters)