IRAN BRACED itself for further unrest today following the deaths of at least 10 people during clashes between police and protesters over the weekend.
In a move that showed how much the Iranian regime has hardened its position on those who have taken to the streets since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s controversial re-election was declared on June 13th, the authorities yesterday described the protesters as “terrorists” and “rioters”.
Defeated presidential candidate Mir Hussein Mousavi has remained defiant, however, calling for further demonstrations against what he and his supporters believe was a rigged vote.
Mr Mousavi has rejected offers of a partial recount, instead demanding that the election result be annulled.
If Iranians “are not able to defend their rights in a civil, peaceful reaction, there will be dangerous ways ahead”, Mr Mousavi said in a statement posted on his website over the weekend.
But some analysts argue there are signs of division within the regime over its handling of the crisis.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Ali Larijani, said a majority of Iranians contest the official results of the election, state-run Press TV reported on its website yesterday, citing comments he made in a televised interview.
Mr Larijani also criticised the Guardian Council, the legislative body tasked with carrying out the limited recount, saying it should not “side with a certain presidential candidate”, Press TV reported.
“The Guardian Council should use every possible means to build trust and convince the protesters that their complaints will be thoroughly looked into,” he added.
Iran’s Guardian Council and police have warned Mr Mousavi against holding further rallies. On Friday, the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected claims the vote was manipulated, and warned opposition leaders they would be held responsible for any bloodshed if protests continue.
Press TV also reported that Faezeh Hashemi, former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s eldest daughter, was arrested on Saturday after she addressed a gathering of Mousavi supporters.
The arrest, which could not be independently confirmed, is another indication of how the crisis is affecting existing divides within the Iranian establishment. Ayatollah Khamenei has come out in support of Mr Ahmadinejad, while reformers such as Mr Rafsanjani back Mr Mousavi.
Mr Rafsanjani chairs the Assembly of Experts, the only body with the constitutional authority to appoint and dismiss the supreme leader.
Mr Rafsanjani has been conspicuous by his silence since the election.
During his address at Friday prayers in Tehran, the ayatollah admitted that he has had differences with Mr Rafsanjani, and his views were closer to those of Mr Ahmadinejad.
Speaking on Saturday, US president Barack Obama urged Tehran to “stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people”.
“The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost,” Mr Obama said in a statement.
German chancellor Angela Merkel said the Iranian leadership must allow peaceful protests and recount votes cast in the disputed election.
“Germany is on the side of the Iranian people, who want to exercise their rights of freedom of expression and free assembly,” she said in a statement.