Iran to try 20 election 'rioters'

30 Jul 2009, 6:53 am   -   Source: AAP
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Iran plans to try 20 people accused of rioting in the aftermath of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election.

Iran plans to try 20 people accused of rioting in the aftermath of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election, as opposition leaders vowed on Wednesday to defy the authorities and pay their respects at the graves of slain protesters.

Ahmadinejad was again under fire from his own hardline supporters who warned him to obey supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or face the consequences of his controversial political decisions.

The official IRNA news agency reported that 20 "rioters" would go on trial from Saturday, following the release of scores of protesters rounded up after massive public demonstrations over Ahmadinejad's June 12 victory.

They face charges including bombings, carrying weapons, attacking Basij militiamen and security forces and having contacts with exiled opposition group the People's Mujahedeen.

"They are also charged with attacking military units and universities, sending pictures to enemy media, organising thugs and rioters, vandalising public and state property including destroying banks and houses," IRNA said.

However, Iran prosecutor Ghorban Ali Dorri Najafabadi announced that a "considerable" number of protesters would be freed by Friday.

On Tuesday, the authorities freed 140 protesters, while about 200 remain behind bars, including 50 suspected of masterminding riots, according to an MP who visited detainees.

The moves are being seen as gestures to the opposition which has branded Ahmadinejad's landslide election win a fraud and protested over the subsequent crackdown.

The opposition again expressed defiance over a ban on a mourning ceremony for slain protesters on Thursday at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, an open venue used regularly for religious functions.

Opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi vowed to visit the graves of slain protesters on Thursday, according to the website of Karroubi's political party.

The two will visit the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery south of Tehran at 4:00 pm (1130 GMT), the Etemad Melli website said.

"The offices of Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi announce that the two will go to the graves of those dead in the recent incidents along with their families and pay their respects," it said.

Media reports said the mother of slain protester Neda Agha-Soltan who was killed on June 20 will also visit the cemetery on Thursday.

Neda became a symbol of protests against Ahmadinejad's victory after a graphic internet video showing her final moments flashed around the world.

It was unclear whether the Mosalla ceremony would go ahead, with Etemad Melli saying Karroubi and Mousavi were concerned about violence because of the ban.

Their defiance comes despite Ahmadinejad telling judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi to release protesters by August 7, the birth anniversary of revered Shi'ite saint Imam Mahdi.

The all-powerful Khamenei - whose regime is battling to contain the worst crisis in the Islamic republic's 30-year existence - also this week ordered the closure of a jail that was "not up to required standards."

Top dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri lashed out at the regime over the deaths of protesters in custody, after media reported that four had died.

"Those who are behind bars are being forced to confess under torture and every day a body is being delivered to their family," Montazeri, once tipped to succeed revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, said in a letter on his website.

Ahmadinejad's standing has been weakened even within his own hardline camp, forcing him into a humiliating climbdown over a political appointment blocked by Khamenei.

His post-election troubles stemmed from his choice of a controversial aide as his first deputy and his tardiness in terminating the appointment, despite Khamenei's orders.

He also sacked Intelligence Minister Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie, reportedly after a quarrel over the delay in dismissing Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie as first vice president, further irking the powerful conservatives.

"Mr Ahmadinejad must apologise to people," said a front-page editorial in Yalesarat, a hardline weekly newspaper.

"You have preferred to pour your love on someone like Mashaie than the leader. Mr Ahmadinejad, if this attitude continues, we want you to return our votes," it said in an editorial.

Mashaie, who sparked controversy last year for saying Iran was a friend of the Israeli people, subsequently stood down but was then immediately appointed Ahmadinejad's chief of staff.

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