Iranian opposition leaders say they will attend ceremonies to honour those killed in violence which followed the country’s disputed election result. They plan to join a gathering at the graveside of a young girl whose killing during protests became a potent symbol of post-election unrest. Authorities refused a request to hold a mourning ceremony at a Tehran mosque. Opposition supporters allege the 12 June election results were rigged in favour of President Ahmadinejad. Twenty-seven year-old Neda Agha Soltan was shot dead on 20 June as she watched protests from the sidelines of the demonstration. Her death – one of 10 that day – was filmed on a mobile phone and broadcast around the world.
Shia Muslims traditionally mark 40 days after a death in a ceremony called the Arbayeen.
Opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi had asked the interior ministry for permission to hold a memorial service in Tehran’s Mosalla mosque, an aide to Mr Mousavi said. When permission was refused, a statement on the website of Mr Karroubi’s political party said they would instead visit the graves of protesters at a cemetery south of Tehran on Thursday.
