Iran opposition vows protests until leaders are freed

Monday February 28, 2011 06:19:45 PM, DPA

Berlin: The Iranian opposition said Monday that its protests would continue until the release of two of its main leaders, according to messages on its websites.

The protests were aimed at securing the release from custody of Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who have been kept incommunicado under house arrest for almost two weeks.

The movement known as Green Wave has said it plans to hold protests Tuesday, and again March 15 if the two leaders are not released.

At least three people were killed and an unknown number of protesters arrested in two demonstrations held earlier this month.

More than 200 legislators, several clerical groups and government supporters have called for the arrest and execution of Moussavi and Karroubi for allegedly undermining the Islamic system and collaborating with foreigners.

But the government and judiciary distanced themselves from the death calls and put the two under house arrest. Unconfirmed reports said they were moved to another location at the weekend.

Moussavi's website reported that the government has built an "iron wall" around the former prime minister's residence in central Tehran. Witnesses said a large gate had been erected at the entrance of the alleyway leading to his house.

Opposition protests exploded in Iran after the fraud-marred 2009 presidential election, won by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Dozens of demonstrators were killed and numerous former reformist officials, journalists, students and activists were jailed in clashes for weeks after the elections.

                                           Home | Top of the Page

Top Stories

Budget promises more money for all - farmers to corporates

Promising more money in the hands of households by hiking the income tax exemption limit   »

Highlights of Pranab Mukherjee's budget for 2011-12

Agriculture reform at heart of Pranab's budget

Budget 2011-12: Poor to get subsidies in cash

  Most Read

ICSE like board for Indian Madrasas… Inamadar’s mantra for their reform

Giving an interesting twist to the debate on Madrasa reforms and modernisation, renowned educationalist and Chairman of    »

Madrasa Reforms: A call for change

Budget allocation for Minority Affairs raised to 2600 crore

Laying stress on the development of the minorities in India, the government Monday proposed to increase the   »

Budget 2011: Education gets 24% hike; AMU, Azad foundation get funds

Pranab's budget has Rs.8,000 crore for Kashmir's development

  News Pick

Rahman loses Oscar for '127 Hours' original score

Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman lost the Oscar for best original score to composer duo Trent Rezmor and Atticus Ross who won it for "The Social Network" at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards here. Rahman is also   »

500 Indians return from Libya with horrifying tales of sufferings

The dawn of Sunday brought more than 500 Indians here from Libya with   »

Arab world on boil, US imposes sanctions on Libya

Libyan opposition forms own government

The opposition, struggling to oust embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has announced it has formed a national council in an effort to free the country of the dictator's rule. "The main aim of the national council is to have   »

Incredible India comes to Washington

Incredible India in its myriad wondrous colours is all set to make a splash in this American capital with "Maximum India", a mega festival celebrating its cultural diversity. The 20-day cultural extravaganza opening Tuesday   »

World Cup: India-England match ends in a tie

India tied with England in a Group B match of the World Cup at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here Sunday. Riding on skipper Andrew Strauss' 158, England  »

Tendulkar hits 47th ODI century, helps India pile 338 runs