http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Iran/10332285.html
AP Rafsanajni also called on all Iranians to abide by the law in order to find a solution to the current political crisis. Iran in crisis, Rafsanjani tells Friday worshippers Reuters Published: July 17, 2009, 14:22 Tehran: In apparent defiance of Iran's supreme leader, a powerful cleric declared his country in crisis after a disputed poll, and tens of thousands of protesters used Friday prayers yesterday to stage the biggest show of dissent for weeks. Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a moderate who backed Mousavi's election campaign, said many Iranians had doubts about the official result of the June 12 vote. "I hope with this sermon we can pass through this period of hardships that can be called a crisis," said the influential cleric, leading prayers for the first time since the poll. Clashes erupted later in central Tehran between police and followers of opposition leader Mir Hussain Mousavi, who still contests the election result that showed hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been re-elected by a wide margin. "Police fired tear gas and beat supporters of Mousavi in Keshavarz Boulevard," a witness said, adding that protesters were carrying hundreds of green banners - Mousavi's campaign colour - and chanting "Ahmadinejad, resign, resign". Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi was attacked by men in plainclothes on his way to the mosque. The former parliament speaker nevertheless attended the weekly prayers. No senior establishment figure has previously described the post-election turmoil as a crisis for Iran. Rafsanjani's remarks posed a clear challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has upheld the election result and accused foreign powers of fomenting the unrest. In the streets outside Tehran University, police used tear gas and batons to disperse Mousavi supporters who had flocked to the prayers. How significant is Rafsanjani's speech in impacting the situation in Iran? Do you expect any action from the authorities on those imprisoned during the protests, following Rafsanjani's appeal for their release? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send us your comments
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