Opposition leader condemns government violence

Mehdi Karroubi

Opposition leader, Mehdi Karroubi condemned government’s “indescribable” violence and crackdown on protesters adding that even the deposed Shah would not “disrespect Ashura."

The disputing candidate of the June presidential election accused the government of “reaching out for people’s blood and attacking them with a violent group of ruffians.”

In yesterday’s clashes between pro-reform demonstrators with pro-government forces in plain clothes and the police at least eight people were killed and tens were injured.

Mehdi Karroubi described the violence against the people as “unforgivable sins” and addressed its perpetrators saying: “If you follow no religion, at least act as men of free will!”

At the other end of Iran’s political spectrum, every conservative group and organization condemned protesters for their “disrespect of the sanctity of Ashura.” Pro-Ahmadinejad figures have called on the judiciary to prosecute the “leaders of this sedition.”

The Guardian Council has called for the identification of those who “burned the Quran” and “disrespected the sacred day of mourning with applause, whistles and jubilation.”

Ashura marks the death of third Imam of Shiites and is customarily observed with mourning processions all around the city.

Election protesters had announced that they would hold a peaceful march on Ashura day to re-affirm their protests against the alleged election fraud that brought Ahmadinejad’s government back to power and demand for justice and reform. The demonstrations led to fierce violence as police and groups of pro-government forces in plain clothes attacked protesters.

Fars news agency has also accused protesters of “burning the Quran.”