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Iran Admits Protester Was Beaten to Death

First official acknowledgment of post-election state violence

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2009 7:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – A man arrested in the upheaval following Iran's presidential election was beaten to death in jail, Iranian media reported yesterday—offering the first official acknowledgment that a detained protester died after the disputed vote. Officials had originally said the man died of an illness, but a coroner's report said he suffered "repeated blows and severe physical injuries." The death took place at the notorious Kahrizak prison, which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has since ordered closed.

Dozens of opposition activists and protesters are still standing trial in Tehran's Revolutionary Court for allegedly plotting to topple the ruling Islamic system.
Dozens of opposition activists and protesters are still standing trial in Tehran's Revolutionary Court for allegedly plotting to topple the ruling Islamic system.   (AP Photo/Fars News Agency,Hasan Ghaedi)
A demonstrator in the aftermath of Iran's election was beaten to death in a Tehran prison, state media reported. It's the first time official sources have acknowledged post-election state violence.
A demonstrator in the aftermath of Iran's election was beaten to death in a Tehran prison, state media reported. It's the first time official sources have acknowledged post-election state violence.   (AP Photo)
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives the presidential decree to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his second term.
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives the presidential decree to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his second term.   (AP Photo/Office of the Supreme Leader)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
ChickenChopper
Sep 1, 2009 12:35 PM CDT
like, DERR
pg13
Sep 1, 2009 9:04 AM CDT
No I'm saying it makes sense for them to deny it. What's the use of having a crackdown on dissent if they hide the cracked heads?
pg13
Sep 1, 2009 2:17 AM CDT
Denying it was dumb. Admitting it is more of a deterrent to other protests.

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