Iran - post-election protests

Ahmadinejad calls for punishment of opposition leaders

Article published on the 2009-08-28 Latest update 2009-08-28 10:47 TU

President Ahmadinejad wants reformers like Saeed Hajjarian (R) and Saeed Shariati punished
(Photo: Reuters)

Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad has called for opposition leaders to be punished for the role they played in stirring unrest after the disputed presidential election in June.

"Serious confrontation should take place with the leaders and main instigators of the incidents,” said Ahmadinejad in a speech at Tehran Friday prayers, carried live on state radio, referring to massive street protests that broke out contesting his re-election on 12 June.

For several days after the election, the streets of the capital protesters clashed with police. At least 30 people died and around 4,000 others arrested.

“Those who provoked, organised and implemented the enemy's line should be confronted firmly,” said Ahmadinejad.

"Those from lower ranks and the ones who were deceived should be treated with Islamic compassion."

Worshippers responded to his speech with cries of "riot leaders should be executed”, according to reports.

Scores of senior reformists, journalists and opposition supporters have been put on trial on accusations of seeking to overthrow the regime with foreign backing.

Opposition leaders including presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi have condemned the “show trials", refused to recognise Ahmadinejad's presidency and have vowed to continue protests.