Iranian opposition Web sites are reporting heavy clashes between security forces and reformists in Isfahan.
"Large crowds" gathered at the Sayyid mosque to pay their respects to the late Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, according to Rahesabz.net (فارسى). Before the ceremony started, though, uniformed security forces reportedly entered the mosque and started firing tear gas at the mourners. The street around the mosque has now been closed to traffic.
Protesters reportedly held signs criticizing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and vilayet-e-faqih, or "guardiandship of the jurists," the Iranian system of government.
Rahesabz.net says an aide to Mir Hossein Mousavi was "severely beaten" and arrested by security forces.
Al-Jazeera quotes another reformist Web site, Parlemannews, which claims at least 50 people were arrested.
Iran's police chief warned today that reformists will face similar crackdowns in the future if they continue their "illegal" protests.
"We advise this movement to end their activities. Otherwise those who violate the order will be fiercely confronted, based on the law," Fars quoted police chief Esmail Ahmadi-Moqadam as saying.
Today's crackdown comes one day after Basij militiamen reportedly stormed the offices of Grand Ayatollah Youssef Sanei, Iran's most senior reformist cleric. Basijis broke windows in Sanei's office and beat up his associates, according to wire service reports.
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Categories: Iran, Politics, Regional News
Tags: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, Ayatollah Youssef Sanei, Basij, Gen. Esmaeil Ahmadi-Moqaddam, Mir Hossein Mousavi, vilayet-e-faqih
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