MahntULI. Ahmadiztjad calls for prosecufion of opposifion leaders Worl , , , lttp://wwwguardiancou1c'world/2OO9/aug/28/niahn ud-almiadiz Jad-ur
guardlancouk
Ahmadinejad calls for prosecution of
opposition leaders
Iranian president urges ‘serious confrontation against leaders and
key elements' after demonstrations following disputed election
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Mahntud. Ahmadiztjad calls for prosecufion of opposifion leaders Worl. , , lttp://wwwguardiancou1c'world/2OO9/aug/28/niahn ud-almiadiz Jad-ur
Associated Press
guardian.co.uk, Friday 28 August 2009 14.08 BST
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Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today called for the prosecution of opposition leaders over the
turmoil that followed the country's disputed presidential elections, saying senior
opposition activists currently on trial should not be the only ones punished.
Ahmadinejad stepped up the pressure on reformists in the unrest that has gripped Ir ri
since the 12 June presidential election and provided the strongest challenge to the
hardline regime since its inception in 1979.
“Serious confrontation has to be against the leaders and key elements, against those
who organised and provoked [ protests] and carried out the enemy's plan,”
Ahmadinejad told a crowd of thousands in the capital, Tehran. “They have to be dealt
with seriously.”
The president said prominent activists currently standing trial had to be treated with
“Islamic mercy”, suggesting that they had been “deceived” into taking part in the unrest.
“Don't give immunity and protection to the main elements and punish the deceived and
second-hand elements,” he said.
More than 100 pro-reform activists and politicians, including many who have made
public confessions, are currently on trial in Tehran.
Human rights and opposition groups say the public confessions were coerced by threats
and abuses in custody.
Ahmadinejad did not specifically name the opposition leaders. However, many
hardliners and members of the Revolutionary Guard have publicly called for the arrest
of the defeated presidential candidates, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi, as
well as the former president Mohammad Khatami.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stepped up pressure on reformists. Photograph: Reuters
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For the first time, Ahmadinejad admilted that detained protesters had been abused in
custody but denied any government involvement, claiming instead that it had been the
work of Iran's enemies and the opposition.
“These actions that were carried out in custody ... were part of the enemy's scenario,” he
said. “Security, military and intelligence forces are free from these shameful acts.”
The Iranian government has been struggling to contain outrage among many Iranians
over persistent accusations that protesters were abused while in prison.
The opposition says a state crackdown on the demonstrations killed at least 69 people,
while the government says 30 died.
Hundreds have been arrested since the election, and opposition activists say some died
in prison from beatings and other abuse.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2009
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