CNN —Iran’s former president Mohammad Khatami has urged the current government to be more lenient with protesters, amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations representing the biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. The anti-government demonstrations were sparked by the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman in September. Khatami, pictured in 2006, called on Tehran to "take a softer approach and listen to" anti-regime protesters. Public figures in Iran have solicited the government to listen to the grievances of anti-regime protesters. Middle East Images/APOther Iranian public figures have also recently called on the government to take action to listen and protect protesters.

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