Iran opposition planning protests

Iran opposition planning protests

Calls said to be made for anti-government rallies apparently inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt.

D. Parvaz Last Modified: 13 Feb 2011 17:19 GMT

Please click here to access the complete version of this article.

Amid reports of a low turnout for the annual march commemorating the anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution on Friday, there are calls among opposition leaders for nationwide marches against the government on Monday.

Protesters, including university students, lorry drivers and gold merchants are said to be organising marches across the country under the umbrella of the country's Green movement, apparently inspired by recents demonstrations in Egypt and Tunisia.

The movement, also known as the Green Wave, made international headlines after the disputed 2009 presidential elections which saw Mahmoud Ahmadinejad win a second term in office.

Monday's protests have been called at the behest of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, both of whom were backed by the movement as opposition presidential candidates in the election two years ago.

Permission to hold rallies in Egypt was sought prior to the demonstrators' actions but no such permit has been granted in Iran, and the country's Revolutionary Guard has already promised to forcefully confront any protesters.

The Facebook page calling for demonstrations has over 48,000 followers.

Please click here to access the complete version of this article.

ENDS

© Scoop Media