Death of pro-opposition cleric ignites opposition
Iranian security forces stormed the area surrounding a mosque in Isfahan on Wednesday, arresting more than 50 and beating dozens who had gathered to mourn the death of a pro-opposition cleric. The death of Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri on Sunday has kicked off a series of anti-government protests, with thousands gathering to dispute the results of the June presidential elections that extended Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s term in office. The protest on Wednesday was planned as a more subtle show of opposition to the president. But the subtlety was lost when Basij militiamen surrounded the neighbourhood, unleashing tear gas and pepper spray on the crowd, which included women.