IRAN: Government says only regime supporters can march for Egypt
Iranian authorities and the opposition continue to battle over the legacy of Tahrir Square, with both sides claiming an affinity with the popular protest movements in Egypt and around the region.
The Iranian judiciary on Wednesday rejected a request by opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karubi to hold a rally Monday in support of the antigovernment uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, the Iranian Labor News Agency reported.
"If an individual truly shares the brave Egyptians and Tunisians motivation, then he will participate in the rally to be held on [Friday], the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory, along with the government and the nation," said Iranian Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhoseyn Ezhe'i.
"On the other hand, choosing another day [to hold a rally] means these individuals wish to be in a separate front and will create divisions," he added. "This is a political act but the people have to be aware, and if required, they [people] will respond to them."
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has characterized the protests in Tunisia and Egypt as an "Islamic awakening" similar to Iran's own 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 32nd anniversary of which is to be celebrated Friday across Iran. Mousavi and Karrubi, meanwhile, have likened the protests in the Arab world to the antigovernment protests they led following the 2009 disputed presidential elections.
-- Meris Lutz in Beirut
Photos: Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, left, has likened the protests in Tunisia and Egypt to his own "green movement." (Credit: kaleme.com); Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, right, has called the same protests an "Islamic awakening." Credit: IRNA
That being the case: Mousavi should not have any problem marching on the streets. Mousavi is an ardent supporter of Islamic government. He has always said, Islamic Republic not a word more, not a word less. Had it not been for Mousavi's duplicity, we would have gotten rid of this rapist regime two years ago.
Posted by: Arash Irandoost | February 12, 2011 at 08:51 AM
I thought antiwar was different. here I see you follow the line of other west medias . most of Iranian people are regime supporters which you will see tomorrow (22 bahman) . and the green movement , they were supported by mubarak , why would they want to march for egypt people?
Posted by: mojtaba | February 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM
He didn't say that at all
Musavi applied for a permit to protest inside of Iran in support of the egypt protests.
The petition was denied because there was already a protest scheduled
This is a non-story
Posted by: Joe | February 10, 2011 at 02:17 AM
Surely the only people in Iran allowed to protest in support of the Egyptians are the people who love democracy - so the regime and their brainless, sheep-like supporters can stay home.
Posted by: Aussie Kim | February 09, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Hypocrite mullahs regime cannot have it both ways. Crack down at peacefull protests in Iran and support anti Mubarak movement in Egypt! The days of these thugs are numbered.
Posted by: Arash Parsi | February 09, 2011 at 01:42 PM