Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Protesters to Be 'Put in Their Place'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly addressed the widespread protests in the country. He labeled the demonstrators as "rioters" and said they "must be put in their place." The statement is his first direct comment on the current unrest. It signals a firm stance against the protests from the nation's highest authority. The protests began over a month ago following the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in the custody of the morality police. They had detained her for allegedly violating strict dress codes. Demonstrations have since grown into a major challenge for Iran's government.