Iranian Opposition Marks Election Anniversary, Refuses to Give Up
VOA News 12 June 2010
An Iranian opposition leader says the movement will continue its struggle against the government.
Mir Hossein Mousavi made the comment Saturday, the 1-year anniversary of Iran's disputed presidential election.
Opposition groups had planned to mark the anniversary with a rally, but Mr. Mousavi and fellow opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi canceled the demonstration earlier this week after police officials threatened to crack down on protesters.
The two said they made the decision to protect lives and property.
In 2009 opposition activists took to the streets after the election, saying President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won re-election through fraud. The government denied the accusation.
Iranian authorities reacted harshly to the demonstrations, arresting thousands.
More than 80 people were sentenced to prison terms of up to 15 years in connection with the demonstrations. Several other activists face death sentences.
Mr. Mousavi - a former prime minister - and Karroubi ran against President Ahmadinejad in the disputed election. The opposition says Mr. Mousavi should have won.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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