Iranian police 'arrest' mourners

30 July 2009

Iranian police have arrested mourners at a cemetery in Tehran who had gathered for a memorial to those killed in post-election violence, reports say.
Opposition leaders were due to join mourners at the graveside of a young woman whose killing became a potent symbol of post-election unrest.
Reports say there is a heavy police presence in and around the cemetery in southern Tehran.
Authorities refused a request to hold a mourning ceremony at a Tehran mosque.
Opposition supporters allege the 12 June election results were rigged in favour of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Neda Agha Soltan, 27, was shot dead on 20 June as she watched protests from the sidelines of the demonstration.
Her death - one of 10 that day - was filmed on a mobile phone and broadcast around the world.
Protest ban
Shia Muslims traditionally mark 40 days after a death with a ceremony called the Arbayeen.
Opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi had asked the interior ministry for permission to hold a memorial service in Tehran's Mosalla mosque, an aide to Mr Mousavi said.
When permission was refused, a statement on the website of Mr Karroubi's political party said they would instead visit the graves of protesters at a cemetery south of Tehran on Thursday.
source: bbc.com

Posted by News Point at 4:41 AM  
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