Iran Mobilizes to Stifle Opposition Protests - WSJ.com: Via Wall Street Journal / WSJ.com .

BEIRUT—Iranian authorities deployed in force across Tehran Wednesday to conduct last-minute security sweeps and warn residents to refrain from joining antigovernment protests planned for Thursday.

The government typically orchestrates large, carnival-like rallies and demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Republic. For this year's events on Feb. 11, the day marking the culmination of the annual celebrations, opposition leaders have called for protesters to demonstrate against the regime. That has set the stage for clashes between authorities and demonstrators, who have taken to the streets repeatedly to protest the outcome of presidential elections in June.

Government officials, meanwhile, ratcheted up threats against any protests Thursday, vowing to confront demonstrators on the streets and calling for government supporters to turn out in large numbers. Iranian officials have branded protesters as agents of foreign powers.

The Iranian judiciary has handed down a number of harsh sentences against protesters arrested in previous demonstrations, including at least 10 pending death sentences.
( Read more ... )

Iran's Supreme Leader says Western News Media Attempting to "Poison" Iran: Via Voice of America.

Iran's supreme leader says Western media are to blame for his country's recent political unrest.  

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is pointing his finger at Western news media for inciting political friction in Iran.

His statement follows protests against the re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Friday's al-Quds day or Jerusalem day, an annual event to sympathize with Palestinians and condemn Israel.
( Read more ... )

Iran Puts More Protesters on Trial: Via Voice of America.

Iranian media say Iran has started its fourth mass trial for detainees with charges related to the unrest that followed the June 12 re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The reports do not say how many protesters are on trial Tuesday in a Tehran revolutionary court. Several leading reformists are among the defendants, including Iran's former Deputy Interior Minister Mostafa Tajzadeh, former Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh and a former government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh.

Iran put 28 more detainees on trial earlier this month. Iran has used mass trials to prosecute more than 130 people since the election. Those on trial include high-ranking politicians, a French teacher, and Iranian staff of the British and French embassies.
( Read more ... )

Iran Lawmakers Urge President Ahmadinejad to Pick 'Experienced' Cabinet: Via Voice of America.

Several members of Iran's parliament have told President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to pick experienced members for his Cabinet.

Mr. Ahmadinejad will submit his new cabinet line-up next week, and he has vowed to appoint more young people.

Iranian state media report that lawmakers are urging Mr. Ahmadinejad to make wise selections of experienced ministers if he is to win a vote of confidence in parliament.
( Read more ... )

Protests as Iran's Ahmadinejad sworn in as president: Via Reuters.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in as Iran's president on Wednesday in a ceremony boycotted by reformist leaders and parliamentarians and marred by street protests over his victory.

The 53-year-old hard-liner took his oath of office nearly eight weeks after a disputed election that unleashed the worst unrest since the 1979 Islamic revolution and divided the political and clerical elite.

Ahmadinejad said Iran wanted peaceful coexistence with the world but would resist any "bullying" power.

"Internationally, we seek peace and security. But because we want this for all of humanity, we oppose injustice, aggression and the high-handedness of some countries," he said.

Former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who support Mousavi, boycotted the inauguration. The official IRNA news agency said most of parliament's 70 reformist legislators also stayed away.

Riot police were out in force in nearby streets. Witnesses said hundreds of supporters of Ahmadinejad's main political rival, Mirhossein Mousavi, gathered near parliament.

"I was beaten by police who wanted to disperse protesters," said a witness, who declined to give her name.
( Read more ... )