Iranian Election Protester Sentenced to Death

Reformist leader looks to give political legitimacy to post-election opposition

(NEWSER) - Mir Hossein Mousavi announced today that he will form a new political group based on the broad opposition that has asserted itself since Iran’s contested elections last month, the BBC reports. Mousavi, the top reformist candidate in those elections, says the organization would give a legal political framework to the Green movement, named after the color the opposition has taken as its own. More»

Witness describe chaos at a protest near Tehran mosque

(AP) - Riot police clashed with up to 3,000 protesters near a mosque in north Tehran today, using tear gas and truncheons to break up Iran's first post-election demonstration in 5 days. Witnesses told the AP that some protesters fought back, chanting: "Where is my vote?" They said others described scenes of brutality—including the alleged police beating of an elderly woman—in the clashes around the Ghoba Mosque. More»

Crackdown intensifies as opposition calls off rally

(NEWSER) - Iranian authorities arrested 70 university professors yesterday, after they met with Mir Hossein Mousavi, according to a dissident website, as the regime intensified its crackdown on demonstrators. The professors' whereabouts are now unknown, but hundreds of activists are now being held in a prison system notorious for torture and human rights abuses. Tehran is calmer today after yesterday's brutal scenes, and an opposition rally scheduled for today has been canceled. More»

(NEWSER) - Iran's supreme leader has ordered presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi to stand by his side at morning prayers tomorrow in a show of national unity, the Times of London reports. It's not clear if Mousavi will do so, or what consequences he'll face if he defies Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's demand. Mousavi may have more clout to work with, however, after yet another massive gathering in Tehran. More»

(NEWSER) - Iran's supreme leader addressed the nation on TV tonight to criticize anti-government protesters and appeal for calm, the Guardian reports. Those stirring up trouble are simply “tension seekers,” said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rival protests again filled the streets of Tehran, though no more deaths were reported. Khamenei has promised at least a partial recount, though he also referred to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the “elected president.” More»