TEHRAN – Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Sunday that Iran will prosecute anyone who has committed “crimes” against people harmed in post-election unrest, state television reported. Speaking in the wake of allegations that detainees have been raped and tortured, Khamenei was quoted as telling a group of academics in Tehran: “All those who have been hurt in these (post-vote) incidents should know that the system does not intend to compromise.” “If a bad deed or crime has been committed those behind it will be dealt with rightfully and legally,” the supreme leader said, “just as those who openly stand against the system are confronted.” Khamenei appears to have softened his tone on the opposition in recent days and said on Wednesday he was not convinced those who led the protests were backed by foreigners.
