Police warn Iran opposition over anniversary demo

AP: A semi-official news agency says Iran’s security forces have warned they will confront any opposition protests on the anniversary of the country’s disputed June presidential election.

The Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A semi-official news agency says Iran’s security forces have warned they will confront any opposition protests on the anniversary of the country’s disputed June presidential election.

The Ilna agency on Tuesday quoted Tehran police chief, Gen. Hossein Sajedinia, as saying “police will confront any illegal gathering.”

Iran’s opposition has called on supporters to mark the June 12 anniversary with massive street protests. The government says it won’t allow the rallies to take place, raising the possibility of more violence.

The opposition says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the vote through fraud and that opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi was the rightful winner.

It says about 80 demonstrators have died in the crackdown on opposition protests so far.