Mousavi Backers Tortured, Told to Confess Foreign Plot

Regime seeks to force 'confessions' implicating reformist in conspiracy
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 27, 2009 7:20 AM CDT
Mousavi Backers Tortured, Told to Confess Foreign Plot
Protesters hold signs in support of Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran.   (©@@:@@)

Iran's opposition says prominent supporters have been tortured in an effort to extract "confessions" that foreign forces in league with Mir Hossein Mousavi are plotting against the Islamic republic, the Guardian reports. Amnesty International, citing "very credible sources," says screams have been heard from reformist politicians jailed in the section of Tehran's Evin prison reserved for political prisoners.

Hundreds of activists, journalists, and academics are believed to have been jailed since Iran began cracking down on protests over the disputed election. Several people have appeared on TV confessing to being "terrorists" for taking part in protests. A senior cleric with strong ties to the regime told worshippers yesterday rioters should be punished firmly and mercilessly, referring to them as "those who wage war against God."
(More torture stories.)

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