Iran Prepares For Another Confrontation With Demonstrators
Once more the rhetoric and warnings are escalating in Iran. Tehran’s deputy police chief Ahmadreza Radan warned that Iranian police will confront any “illegal” gatherings on November 4, when the Islamic Republic marks the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, the Mehr News Agency reported on Sunday. This warning was in response to opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi appearing to urge supporters to take part in rallies on that day.
Reuters reported that in a statement posted on his www.kaleme.com website, Mousavi said he would press ahead with his efforts for political change in Iran following a disputed June presidential election, which he says was rigged in favor of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
“The duty of the police is to protect public order, and based on the law we are obliged to prevent any move disturbing the public order,” Radan said.
An Iranian MP, Hasan Malek-Mohammadi, also issued a stern warning to the opposition, IRNA news agency reported.
“Those individuals and groups that act against the revolution’s pillars and the views (of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei), will be considered as Mohareb (fighting against God) and corrupt on earth,” said Malek-Mohammadi, referring to a crime which could be punishable by death in Iran.
“On this day, political groups … should act in line with the country’s national interest,” he said.
So, the lines are drawn in preparation for another clash between demonstrators and police on Nov. 4.
