Iran opposition leader's office surrounded by government supporters

Tehran - The office of Iranian opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi was surrounded Monday by supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government, Moussavi's website said. About 40 government supporters on motorbikes gathered in front of Moussavi's office at the School of Arts in Tehran and prevented the former prime minister from leaving, the report said.

The website quoted Moussavi as telling them if they had the mission to hit or kill him, they should do so.

Moussavi is one of four key opposition leaders, along with former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi and former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani.

The opposition quartet has accused the government of fraud in the June presidential voting and refused to acknowledge Ahmadinejad's re-election.

Moussavi's supporters on Monday staged renewed protests against Ahmadinejad which led to clashes with police and several arrests.

Ahmadinejad and other officials have called on the judiciary to put Moussavi and the opposition leaders on trial for acting against national interests.

More than 80 dissidents, journalists and former officials of the previous reformist government have been sentenced to jail terms of up to 15 years for involvement in post-vote protests, and alleged plans to topple the Islamic establishment.

At least five dissidents have been sentenced to death due to alleged cooperation with rebel and terrorist groups, but have the right to appeal the death verdicts.