Hours after the judiciary banned him from holding a rally, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has been authorized to hold a re-election campaign rally on Monday, his office said Sunday.
A source in Khatami's campaign headquarters told the Iranian news agency (IRNA) Saturday night that the judiciary had ordered police to stop the event, which was due to take place on Monday in Tehran's Shiroudi stadium.
The judiciary said its ruling was due to a ban on the use of government property for campaigning by the 10 candidates running in the June 8 presidential election.
"Following relentless efforts late last night, a judiciary official contacted me and said the ban has been lifted," head of Khatami's office, Mohammad-Ali Abtahi, told IRNA.
"The head of Tehran's Justice Administration (Abbas-Ali Alizadeh) contacted me this morning and confirmed the cancellation of the ban," Abtahi added.
The president and his rivals have been given equal amounts of time to speak on state radio and television.
Judicial officials have said the tough campaign rules are there to ensure a fair election.
A judge on Friday ordered the removal of all campaign banners belonging to conservative candidate, Abdollah Jasbi, said the agency.
Under Iran's election laws, candidates can only display small black and white personal photos in public – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
