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.
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VOA News - Former Iranian President: Election 'Coup' Against Democracy: Via Voice of America.

Former Iranian president and leading reformist Mohammad Khatami says the outcome of Iran's disputed presidential election is a "coup" against democracy.

Khatami's statement Wednesday comes two days after Iran's powerful Guardian Council upheld the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Defeated presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi also criticized the election outcome Wednesday, calling the government led by Mr. Ahmadinejad "illegitimate."
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Shirin Ebadi: Iranian Authorities Must Void Elections to Restore Peace on Streets: by Shirin Ebad (Iranian human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner) Via HuffingtonPost.com.

On Monday, June 15, more than 1 million people marched in the streets of Tehran to support Mir Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi -- two defeated presidential candidates -- and to object to the results of last week's election. Their destination was Azadi Square (Freedom Square) which, at the time of the Islamic Revolution 30 years ago, had been the gathering spot for revolutionaries. Mir Hossein Moussavi climbed on top of a minibus and spoke to the people through a loudspeaker. He told them to continue their objections but refrain from aggressive behavior, in order not to give security forces an excuse to resort to violence.

Peaceful demonstrations ended, and while people were slowly dispersing to go home, suddenly, from the rooftop of a building belonging to Basij (the volunteer people's militia), shots were fired on the people. Another group started firing from another direction. Based on reports, there are seven killed and around 30 wounded and hospitalized thus far.

Basij operates under the guidance and supervision of the Revolutionary Guards of the Islamic Republic. It was created after the revolution, and its sole duty is to maintain and safeguard the government. Although volunteers, Basij members enjoy many privileges. They do not wear military uniforms but have the right to carry weapons and police communication equipment.
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