Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami, a very influential Iranian cleric, said in a nationally broadcast sermon at Tehran University on June 26 that "anyone who takes up arms to fight with the people, they are worthy of execution."
He added that the protest leaders should be punished "without mercy."
The Time writes that this call for execution of protesters and opossition leaders "signals a nasty new turn in the regime's crackdown on demonstrators two weeks after its disputed election."
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has recently said his country "will not yield to pressure" over the disputed presidential election.
This effectively closes the door to compromise with the opposition over the disputed poll and opens another one to protracted conflict, violence, and instability.
At least 17 people were killed and thousands injured and arrested in the mass protests after the election held on June 12.
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Comments: 8
apparently the Mullahs have reached the conclusion that they can no longer expect any support from the people that they cheated in the recent election. So, if you can't get them to believe lies anymore, what does that leave as a tool to compel obedience? Violent repression and reprisal, that sounds like the only remaining choice- since the Mullahs were never willing in the first place to negotiate with opposition or consider instituting reforms or sharing power.
Iran is in the process of change and those at the top will kill others that they fear.
The demons in cleric robes that run Iran are terrified of another revolution, this time a revolution that might displace them from power.
America needs to get out of the dictator business in the Middle East.
Has America progressed to having elections that are not loaded with fraud. Lets start with the military vote that is never counted.
The difference those that voice their displeasure with our leadership aren't executed.
All you know about Iran is the propaganda coming from Washington.
The whole situation is scary. I thought there were problems with the election in 2000 and 2004 when Bush got in, but Iran sounds even worse! I definitely think the election was fixed.
Well the Iranian people who are willing to die for their God given right to freedom, can be sure of one thing. Obama hopes to be the International Community organizer rather than assume the traditional role as leader of the "free world"
Iranian people you are on your own. Maybe someday, Obama will stop trotting around the globe fist-bumping, all the evil dictators and apologizing for America. He did dis-invite these murderers from partying on the 4th.--These terrorist should never should have been invited to start with.