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Iran's Guardian Council Vows Recount as 7 Die in Protests

Guardian Council makes U-turn as state radio confirms deaths

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2009 3:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – The most powerful body in Iran declared it will allow a recount in last Friday's controversial presidential election, the BBC reports. The announcement follows three days of massive protests in Tehran, in which seven people were killed. State radio claims the deaths came as protesters attacked a military post after yesterday's "illegal" rally.

The decision by the 12-member Guardian Council represents a massive reversal for the country's elite, who originally endorsed the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered an inquiry into ballot tampering. Supporters of opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi have vowed to continue protesting until the election results are canceled.

A student holds a banner reading ''Last night Tehran dormitory, killing fields-killing fields'' at the gate of Tehran university in Tehran yesterday.
A student holds a banner reading ''Last night Tehran dormitory, killing fields-killing fields'' at the gate of Tehran university in Tehran yesterday.   (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Pro-reform leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, center, speaks to his supporters during a rally in Tehran, Iran yesterday.
Pro-reform leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, center, speaks to his supporters during a rally in Tehran, Iran yesterday.   (AP photo)
Protesters view a burning car next to the building of pro-government militia base near a rally supporting leading opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran yesterday.
Protesters view a burning car next to the building of pro-government militia base near a rally supporting leading opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran yesterday.   (AP photo/Vahid Salemi)
Protesters burn a car and attack a building of a pro-government militia base near a rally supporting leading opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran yesterday.
Protesters burn a car and attack a building of a pro-government militia base near a rally supporting leading opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran yesterday.   (AP photo/Vahid Salemi)
Students hold banners protesting against the police storming their university, at the gate of Tehran University in Tehran  yesterday.
Students hold banners protesting against the police storming their university, at the gate of Tehran University in Tehran yesterday.   (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Derni
Jun 16, 2009 3:46 AM CDT
Recount? they filled the ballot bozx so the "chosen one" would win-it would be best if the winner left moved on-disappeared maybe?

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