Iran hangs two protesters, sentences nine to death - Summary

Thu, 28 Jan 2010

Tehran - Two opposition protesters were hanged Thursday in Iran and nine more were sentenced to death, the ISNA news agency reported. The 11 had been arrested during rallies against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on December 27. Iran's opposition movement accused the government of having manipulated the June presidential polls, bringing about Ahmadinejad's re-election.

According to a statement by the Revolutionary Court, the two people who were hanged and the nine facing the death penalty were members of monarchist groups and the People's Mujaheddin, a group Iran designates as a terrorist organization.

They had been charged with plans to topple Iran's Islamic establishment.

The Iranian administration, especially the judiciary, said it distinguishes between supporters of local opposition groups that believe in the Islamic establishment but are against Ahmadinejad and those who are against the whole system.

According to Iran, both the People's Mujaheddin and the monarchists have their bases outside Iran and, therefore, are accused of being "mercenaries" of the world powers - mainly the United States and Britain - and acting as their agents inside Iran.

Observers said they believe other members of non-local groups would also face death sentences on the Islamic charge of mohareb, or enmity with God.

The nine placed on death row Thursday may appeal.

The sentences have not quashed plans for further opposition protests.

Iran is to celebrate the 31st anniversary of its 1979 Islamic revolution in February and hold the annual, state-run mass rally on February 11.

The supporters of the local opposition, especially the Green Movement, led by Mir-Hossein Moussavi, who lost to Ahmadinejad, plan to avail themselves of the mass rally - and other related occasions - to renew their protests against the president.

With millions of people usually taking part in the February 11 rallies nationwide, police were expected to have a difficult time controlling the competing demonstrations.

The police, however, warned that the era of lenience was over and protesters would be harshly and decisively confronted.

During the last demonstrations held on December 27, at least eight demonstrators were killed and hundreds arrested.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/306296,iran-hangs-two-protestors-sentences-nine-to-death--summary.html.