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7 killed in Iran protest, Moussavi calls for re-poll
At least seven people were killed when security forces opened fire during a protest rally organised by the supporters of defeated Iranian leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi in the June 12 presidential elections, TV reports said on Tuesday.
At least seven people were killed when security forces opened fire during a protest rally organised by the supporters of defeated Iranian leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi in the June 12 presidential elections, TV reports said on Tuesday.
The protestors tried to attack a security check post near Tehran's Azadi Square on Monday when the security forces opened fire. Dozens of people were wounded in the incident, Press TV said.
Thousands of people participated in the rally. Police have arrested several people for rioting.
Iran's police chief Esmail Ahmadi-Moghaddam said on Monday that any illegal rally by protestors would be suitably dealt with.
Moussavi, former prime minister, told the gathering that he was ready to participate in a fresh election.
Interior Minister Sadeq Mahsouli said incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad bagged 62.63 per cent of the total votes, while Moussavi got 33.75 per cent of the votes.
After the official announcement of the results, Moussavi "strongly" protested, claiming irregularities in the election.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that he had ordered the Guardian Council, an influential body that wields considerable power in the Islamic Republic, to investigate the claims of fraud in the presidential election.
He also urged Moussavi to pursue his appeal "through legal channels".
"You are different from those people (protestors) and you are advised to keep calm and harmony," Khamenei said.
