Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Top Khatami aides in Iran dock over 'soft coup'
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Top Khatami aides in Iran dock over 'soft coup'
AFP - Wednesday, August 26
TEHRAN (AFP) - - Several aides to former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami were put on trial on Tuesday on charges of masterminding post-election unrest and plotting a "soft coup" in the Islamic republic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Among the 20 or so people in the dock in the revolutionary court in Tehran were a former minister and a number of other top political figures as well as reformist journalists and academics, local media reported.
The prosecution charged that some political groups "with the cooperation of Western media and colonial embassies disrupted the situation and misused the supporters of defeated candidates to launch a soft coup d'etat," the state broadcaster said.
Iran has already staged mass trials of around 140 people on offences linked to the massive demonstrations and street violence that followed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's hotly-disputed victory in the June election.
The court proceedings, which are open only to Iranian news agencies and which opposition leaders denounced as "show trials," have angered the international community and heightened political tensions as Iran battles its worst crisis since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
The prosecution called for the dissolution of reformist movements such as the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF) and the Islamic Revolution Mujahedeen Organisation after accusing them of "lying" and spreading "rumours of fraud in the election."
Iranian news agencies said those in the dock included Khatami aides such as former deputy interior minister Mostafa Tajzadeh, former deputy foreign minister Mohsen Aminzadeh, ex-deputy economy minister Mohsen Safaie-Farahani and reformist activists Mohsen Mirdamadi and Abdollah Ramezanzadeh.
Behzad Nabavi, a top reformist thinker and former minister in the post-revolution government of Ahmadinejad's main election rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, and Iranian-American scholar Kian Tajbakhsh were also on trial.
Another leading reformist Saeed Hajjarian, who has been under house arrest since his detention on June 16 was also in court, the ISNA news agency said.
In written testimony read out by another defendant, apparently for health reasons, Hajjarian apologised for "huge mistakes" he committed due to "wrong analysis."
The prosecution claims Hajjarian had connections with British intelligence and the Soros Foundation which planned to launch a "velvet revolution" in Iran.
"He acted against national security, cast doubt on the election result, propagated against the regime and insulted regime officials, including the supreme leader," the prosecution charged.
A reformist journalist Masoud Bastani testified in the trial that Mehdi Rafsanjani, son of former president and powerful cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, worked towards creating "an illusion that there was a fraud in the voting."
Bastani, who worked for a website run by the younger Rafsanjani and is now among the accused, said: "We had orders to attack the four year work of the government, to weaken the Guardians Council... to cast doubt on the election process."
Clerics Rafsanjani and Khatami, who was president of Iran from 1997 to 2005, are strong supporters of opposition groups who claim Ahmadinejad's re-election by a landslide of 63 percent was massively rigged.
At previous hearings in revolutionary courts, the defendants have included reformists, political activists, a young French woman lecturer and two employees of the French and British embassies.
Ahmadinejad's re-election triggered massive street protests in Tehran by supporters of Mousavi and other defeated candidates, and set off political turmoil that has shaken the very pillars of the Islamic regime.
Officials have said at least 30 people were killed in clashes with security forces, but the opposition puts the death toll at 69.
About 4,000 people were initially detained over the protests and hundreds are still behind bars, amid opposition allegations that some have been killed, raped and abused in custody.
The trials have intensified the political turmoil gripping Iran as Ahmadinejad awaits a vote of confidence in parliament for his 21-member cabinet.
In a snub to Ahmadinejad, 270 of the nation's 290 MPs stayed away from a Ramadan feast hosted by the president on Sunday, the reformist Etemad daily reported.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Firefighters claim victory in Athens infernoAFP - Wednesday, August 26
Stuttering kids savor a camp that makes them starsAP - Wednesday, August 26
Obama expected to renominate BernankeAP - Wednesday, August 26
Massive wildfire near Athens nearly put outAP - 1 hour 27 minutes ago
4 police killed in Chechnya suicide bombingAP - 1 hour 46 minutes ago
Enlarge Photo
Several aides to former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami (pictured here earlier this year) have been put on trial on charges of masterminding the post-election unrest and plotting a "soft coup" in the Islamic republic.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Global stock markets up, hit 10-month highs
Jackson killed by drugs cocktail: court
Homes of former Porsche executives searched: report
NASA begins filling Discovery's external fuel tank
France to claim exclusive Mediterranean fishing zone
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Bus bombings south of Baghdad kill at least 11
Putin makes surprise visit to Chechnya
Afghan minister claims Karzai poll win, U.N. says wait
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Sprint-Virgin Mobile deal gets U.S. antitrust nod
Scottish minister defends Lockerbie bomber release
| International
|
Shiite groups announce new alliance minus Iraqi PM
Fanbase, new sports website, goes live
Bus bombings south of Baghdad kill at least 11
| International
|
Nokia plans to launch mini laptop
Pirate Bay suitor targeted in police probe
2 Palestinians, 2 Israelis wounded in Gaza clash
Saudi Arabia frees 17 Shi'ite political inmates
Putin dashes to Chechnya, shows support for Kadyrov
| International
|
Breakthroughs not expected in Israel London talks
U.N.'s Ban heads to Norway, no comment on harsh memo
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Maliki breaks ranks with Shiite bloc ahead of election
Nokia plans to launch mini laptop
Israel's Netanyahu brings balancing act to Europe
Analysis: Fraud cases threaten US strategy
3 NATO troops killed in southern Afghanistan
New Mac operating system available late August
| Technology
|
Former Pa. judges withdraw guilty pleas
US, SKorea to keep enforcing sanctions on NKorea
Police seek missing car in murder of ex-model
U.S. payment-card industry grapples with security
| Technology
|
Caning of Malaysian woman who drank beer postponed
Several students injured in Neb. school bus crash
Series of raids by Pakistan police foil attacks
41 indicted in $2 million-a-month Denver meth ring
Aso on the defensive again with gaffe ahead of vote
Child athlete's death revives heart testing debate
Sprint-Virgin Mobile deal gets U.S. antitrust nod
| Technology
|
Report: 200 to go on trial after Xinjiang riots
Lawmaker wants subway station renamed for Jackson
Ariz. woman finds taxi driver is a kidney match
U.S. Justice Dept advised to pursue CIA abuses
NY man pleads not guilty in skyscraper slaying
Okla. pastor found slain in her Pentecostal church
GM sees Hummer sale to China's Tengzhong
Coroner says Michael Jackson died from lethal dose of propofol
| Entertainment
|
Nine Inch Nails digs Downward at farewell NY gig
| Entertainment
|
`White Christmas' returns to Broadway for holidays
Music Review: Loudon Wainwright III explores Poole
Hasidic star Matisyahu mixes it up on new album
Music Review: LeToya Luckett delivers edgy CD
Beauty tips for Bangladesh police recruits
Japan's first lady hopeful an outgoing TV lifestyle guru
Music Review: J Moss looks to move past sins on CD
Michael Jackson's mother praises Vienna tribute
Qatar's Tribeca looks to create regional film hub
Apple to unleash Snow Leopard on August 28
Afghanistan's first election results due
EU to propose immigration reforms in September: Sweden
Yahoo to compete with Bing despite Microsoft deal
'Lethal' drug levels killed Michael Jackson: report
N.Korea invites U.S. envoy for nuclear talks: reports
| International
|
Media multitasking doesn't work say researchers
France to claim exclusive Mediterranean fishing zone
Microsoft revs up low-budget mobile phones
Putin makes surprise visit to Chechnya
Ten killed in southern Iraq bus bombings
Unmasked blogger plans to sue Google: report
Iran puts more senior reformers on trial
| International
|
GM may try to keep Opel
Iran MP says alleged jail rape victims may testify
Israeli raid on Gaza tunnel kills 3 Palestinians
| International
|
NASA begins filling Discovery's external fuel tank
Afghans in limbo over vote as partial results due
| International
|
Afghan journalist shot dead in NW Pakistan: officials
Global stock markets up, hit 10-month highs
'Cyber-traffic' endangering primates in Cameroon
Japan finance minister warns of opposition landslide
| International
|
Colombia protests Chavez's meddling in local politics
| International
|
South Korea gives rocket launch a second shot
| International
|
Microsoft revs up low-budget mobile phones
Yahoo to compete with Bing despite Microsoft deal
| Technology
|
Japan finance minister warns of opposition landslide
South America to slam US-Colombia base deal
Australia government slips in poll, but Rudd popular
Tropical Storm Ignacio forms far out in Pacific
N.Korea invites U.S. envoy for nuclear talks: reports
British, Israeli PMs to meet amid Mideast peace drive
11 miners dead in northern China mine blast
AP NewsAlert
Media multitasking doesn't work say researchers
| Technology
|
AP source: Obama to nominate Bernanke to 2nd term
Gritty Chinese city seeks to shed 'spitting' image
Russia's Medvedev to mark Soviet-era battle on Mongolia visit
Relatives accuse Pakistan forces in Swat killings
Seattle mystery man leaves hospital
Group: 1,200 vets wrongly told they have disease
Cash for Clunkers a jolt for car sales, not a fix
More than 200 face trial for ethnic riots in China
US prosecutor to probe alleged CIA abuses
Seoul shares fall after gains; LG Display down
India trade team in talks on South Africa pact
RBS sale of China assets to StanChart in trouble: FT
Coroner says Jackson died from lethal dose of propofol
| Entertainment
|
Crypt above Marilyn Monroe sold for $4.6 million
| Entertainment
|
Nick Jonas says he dreams of being president
| Entertainment
|
Jerry Lee Lewis to release new single
Jack Klugman sues again over Quincy profits
| Entertainment
|
Celebrating the beauty of being Venezuelan
Steven Seagal reality TV show in legal dispute
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Crypt above Marilyn Monroe sold for $4.6 million
Worker accused of assault at 50 Cent's Conn. home
Nick Jonas says he dreams of being president
For Jackson, a long and medicated night
Coroner says Jackson died from lethal dose of propofol
Steven Seagal reality TV show in legal dispute
`Inglourious Basterds' bursts to No. 1 with $38M
Three killed in Israeli raid on Gaza tunnel: medics
Germany emerges from recession in second quarter: data
Early results show Afghan election too close to call
| International
|
Online Encyclopedia of Life reaches 150,000 species
Warm welcome home for track champ Semenya
Top Khatami aides in Iran dock over 'soft coup'
Iran puts leading reformers on trial over unrest
Jessica Biel tops list as most risky star in cyberspace
Website keeps Paris's wartime memories alive
Two killed in Israeli raid on Gaza tunnel: medics
US officer feeling sidelined as Iraqis take over
Israeli raid on Gaza tunnel kills 3 Palestinians
US patience frays as Obama weighs Afghan troops
Young Afghan Guantanamo inmate freed, returns home
| International
|
Palestinian PM seeks aid for embryo state
| International
|
Difficult talks resume to resolve Madagascar crisis
| International
|
Pakistan casts doubt on new Pakistan Taliban leader
| International
|
China's Hu visits Xinjiang, no riot trials this week
| International
|
Hamas says Germany helps in Israel prisoner talks
| International
|
Greek fires under control, govt under attack
| International
|
Obama expected to renominate Bernanke
Space shuttle launch called off, NASA to try again
Taiwan confirms 461 dead, 192 missing after typhoon
Delaware gov. tries to preserve sports betting
Yahoo to compete with Bing despite Microsoft deal
| Technology
|
Australia terror suspects wanted to 'strike big'
Uighur exile airs report on Xinjiang prison killings
Inside the CIA's patchwork interrogation program
Sony debuts wireless reader priced at $399
| Technology
|
Tutor, 13 students hurt in Vietnam acid attack
CIA terror tactics spur changes, new probe
Jessica Biel tops list as most risky star in cyberspace
| Technology
|
AP NewsAlert
Malaysia PM urges woman to appeal against caning
UK proposes cutting Web access to file sharers
| Technology
|
CAPITAL CULTURE: Another Emanuel in the spotlight
Yahoo to launch Arabic portal with Arab partner
| Technology
|
Failing student hurls acid at professor in Vietnam
Netbook pioneer Asustek eyes recovery; bets on China
| Technology
|
China's Xinjiang govt denies date set for trials
Six policemen hurt in Kashmir grenade attack
Official denies China set to open Xinjiang trials
CORRECTED: Sprint-Virgin Mobile deal gets U.S. nod
| Technology
|
Malaysian opposition wins another local election
Bangladesh awards gas exploration rights
Taiwan dollar down on stock losses
SKorea's LG Display to set up plant in China
Japan close to oil deal in Iraq, say officials
China shares retreat on concern about bad loans
LG Display in non-binding deal for China LCD plant
Jet Li returns to Chinese film after 3 US movies
Seoul shares slip; Chinese falls, comments weigh =2
Bangladesh grants oil, gas blocks: ministry
Cairn Energy says to start pumping India oil
China's main stock index falls 5.5 percent
Zimbabwe students back in school, but without books
'Inglourious Basterds' takes box office top spot
Hunt is on for polar explorer Amundsen's seaplane
Oscar-nominated French director to head Pusan jury
SAfrican fashion designer inspired by her rural roots
Jet Li returns to Chinese film after 3 US movies
Jessica Biel named `most dangerous celebrity'
Gold and booty: Goa opens smuggling museum
Indonesia police widen hotel bombing investigation
Australian official supports Corby repatriation
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights