TEHRAN (Reuters) – Iranian opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi said Sunday the reform movement would not be cowed by the hardline government’s harsh methods as riot police prevented a demonstration by moderates taking place.
Mousavi’s remarks preceded a scheduled gathering Sunday by moderates to commemorate the killing of Dariush Forouhar and his wife, who headed the illegal but tolerated Iran Nation Party. They were stabbed to death by “rogue” agents in 1998.
Iran’s security forces have warned the opposition not to take part in “street riots,” trying to avoid a revival of mass protests that erupted after Iran’s June 12 presidential vote, the biggest unrest in Iran since its 1979 Islamic revolution.
A witness said dozens of riot police surrounded the area where the mourning ceremony was held to prevent it turning into an opposition rally.
“They are dispersing people. The police are not allowing anyone to stop in the area. The police and security forces are carrying batons,” said the witness, who asked not to be named.
Mousavi said the reform movement would continue despite the government’s pressure to uproot it.
“The government should not intimidate people to change their path … this movement will continue and we are ready to pay any price,” Mousavi was quoted as saying by his Kaleme w…
