Press TV (state-run English TV) confirmed the participation of the supporters of leading opposition figures Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi on of the Quds Day rally. Since the opposition leaders, activists and supporters are banned and indeed have been threatened from running any peaceful protests against the government, thousands of reformist supporters used Quds Day as an opportunity to take to the streets. Yet, Reuters has reported today that opposition leaders being harassed and even attacked:
Reformist former president Mohammad Khatami took part in the rally, but was attacked by hardliners and had to leave after his robe was ripped and his turban fell to the ground, an ally of Khatami who accompanied him told Reuters. The state news agency IRNA said Mousavi and reformist cleric Mehdi Karroubi, both defeated candidates in the disputed poll in June, had also been forced to leave the rallies after being attacked by “angry people.”
Other reports suggest that supporters of the government attempted to attack Mousavi and Karroubi but were repelled by their body guards and the peaceful opposition supporters marching alongside them.
Press TV also reported that French’s Foreign Ministry condemned hardliner’s assault against former President, Mohammad Khatami.
Back to topReacting to the reports, France’s Foreign Ministry said it was alarmed by reported violence towards Iranian opposition leaders. “France is highly concerned by reports of violence committed against leaders of the Iranian opposition,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero. In separate remarks, Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Reza Bahonar condemned the move, saying “such acts should not be carried out on this day.” “I don’t accept aggressions and any illegal acts by any one. I don’t approve of them,” he added.