UPI: The People's Mujahedin of Iran said a protest against the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, turned violent in Najafabad. United Press International
NAJAFABAD, Iran, Dec. 24 (UPI) — The People's Mujahedin of Iran said a protest against the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, turned violent in Najafabad.
The dissident group said on its Web site several protesters were injured Wednesday when demonstrators chanting anti-regime slogans blocked off the road between Najafabad and Isfehan, prompting a clash with government forces.
In addition to using pepper spray on the protesters, government forces reportedly used bats, chains and sticks to disrupt the demonstration.
In the city of Shatareh, State Security Forces agents raided a religious gathering place and arrested the site's founders and board of directors.
The agents told those gathered to take part in mourning ceremonies for the month of Moharam that all ceremonies must remain inside the religious site.
The agents said any plans to take Moharam ceremonies into the city's streets as per a long-standing tradition would have to be approved by local police, PMOI reported.
