By Bobby Rajabi
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TEHRAN, Iran – On September 14, trials began for six more individuals involved in protests that followed the June 12 presidential election
The six individuals are being brought before the court on charges of rioting and plotting to topple the ruling regime of the Islamic Republic. State media in Iran has reported that indictment against the defendants is focused on the defendants’ use of the internet to spread false reports in order to provoke turmoil. The indictment claims that country was under the constant threat from both “psychological welfare” and “destructive propaganda.” Among those accused is Abdollah Momeni, a well known student activist. The official news agency of Iran has said that Momeni has pleaded guilty to the charges against him and has pleaded for “Islamic mercy from the court.”
This is the fifth trial brought against protesters of President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s reelection. Over 140 individuals have been put on trial for opposing the election, which opponents claim was rigged in favor of the incumbent. Opponents of the current regime have questioned the validity of the trials. Among those against the trials is former President Mohammad Khatami. Last month, the former president claimed that the confessions made by individuals on trial came as a result of “extraordinary conditions.”
The June presidential election between President Ahmedinejad and former Primer Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi sparked protests throughout the country in the days that followed. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians marched in the streets. The opposition claimed that the outcome to the election was predetermined. Hardliners have portrayed their opponents as individuals who are backed by foreigners whose goal is the undermining of the Islamic government system. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has insisted that no election fraud occurred.
Those protesting denounced the official results that gave President Ahmedinejad another four year term. Thousands of individuals were arrested by Iranian security forces, who were working with the Basij militia and Revolutionary Guard. The official estimate from the Iranian government is that thirty-six people died in the clashes between protesters and security forces. The opposition claims that more than seventy election protesters were killed during the conflict.
For more information, please see:
AFP – Iran Mass Trial Resumes as Reformists Clerics Speak Out – 14 September 2009
BBC News – Six Accused in Iran Protest Trial – 14 September 2009
CBC News – Iran Protest Trials Resume Monday – 14 September 2009
Guardian.co.uk – Six Iran Activists in Dock as Mass Trial Continues – 14 September 2009
New York Times – Iran Starts Fifth Trial Over Post – Election – 14 September 2009
