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Ahmadinejad Wants Opposition Leaders Tried

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2009 8:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Just days after Iran's supreme leader tried to dial down the nation's tensions, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ratcheted them right back up again, reports the Los Angeles Times. In a charged speech today in Tehran, the country's president for the first time called for the prosecution of opposition leaders. He didn't name names, but he clearly wants Mir-Hussein Mousavi and others punished for fomenting unrest after his disputed election win.

Ahmadinejad called the rioting an "enemy plot" aided by "subversives," saying, "The most important task for the judiciary and security bodies is to deal seriously with the leaders and masterminds" of the recent unrest. "All of those who organized and instigated (the riots) and followed the enemy line have to be seriously confronted. The masterminds of the riots should by no means enjoy any immunity."

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, arrives for Friday prayers at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad looks on during Friday prayers at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad listens to Friday prayers. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivers a speech before Friday prayers. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

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Our Basiji were beaten in streets in order to protect people. I assure you that the enemy-affiliated infiltrators were behind the corruption.

- President Ahmadinejad

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