Iran's Ayatollah calls for peaceful solution to disputes

TEHRAN, Dec. 29 (MNA) -- Grand ayatollahs Naser Makarem Shirazi, Jafar Sobhani, and Hossein Nouri Hamedani issued separate statements on Tuesday condemning the desecration of the Ashura rituals last Sunday.


On the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura, which is a mourning day commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), some protesters staged riots in Tehran.


The protesters chanted anti-government slogans and set fires in downtown Tehran.


Police clashed with protesters and dispersed the crowds using batons, tear gas, and warning shots.


Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi said that there are peaceful and reasonable solutions to the current disputes in the country.


“Resolving the country’s disputes reasonably and peacefully is the best solution,” he stated.


All political parties should condemn such protests and avoid actions that fan the flames of the disputes because the enemy can take advantage of such a situation, he added.


Ayatollah Sobhani condemned the Ashura incidents and asked officials to make efforts to maintain unity in society.