Opposition leaders risk arrest by denouncing Iran's president
Mir Hossein Mousavi said that the suppression of dissent was tantamount to a coup. Photo: Getty Images
THREE of Iran's most prominent opposition leaders flagrantly courted arrest yesterday by denouncing President Ahmadinejad's government as illegitimate, one day after the regime said that it would tolerate no more challenges to the election result.
Mir Hossein Mousavi, the former prime minister who lost the election, said that the suppression of dissent was tantamount to a coup. "It's not yet too late," he declared. "It is our historical responsibility to continue our protests to defend the rights of the people and prevent the blood spilled by hundreds of thousands of martyrs from leading to a police state."
Ayatollah Mohammed Khatami (65), a popular former president, accused the regime of mounting a "velvet revolution against the people and democracy" and called the security crackdown "poisonous".
Mehdi Karroubi (72), another defeated candidate, said that "visible and invisible forces blocked any change in the executive power".
He added: "I will continue the fight under any circumstances and using every means."
Regime
The regime responded by shutting down his newspaper.
One Iranian analyst expressed astonishment at their audacity. "It looks like they're trying to become living martyrs," he said.
"At the very least they will be put under house arrest. At worst they will be taken to jail."
Since Tuesday, when Iran's Guardian Council declared that a partial recount had confirmed Mr Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election, hardliners have all but accused Mr Mousavi of treason. Forced from the streets by the security forces, Mr Mousavi's supporters are also preparing a campaign of civil disobedience.
Analysts say that anger will grow and could erupt at football matches, prayer meetings or anywhere that large numbers gather.
In a possible sign of the regime's anxiety, Mr Ahmadinejad abruptly cancelled a visit to Libya for an African Union summit yesterday. (© The Times, London)
- Martin Fletcher in Tehran
