Iran resumed Tuesday the trial of opposition activists and protesters charged with rioting following the country's June 12 presidential election. According to the AP, Tuesday's session was the fourth so far in the trial that started last month.
The state-run IRNA news agency said there were new defendants in the courtroom on Tuesday. They included former Deputy Interior Minister Mostafa Tajzadeh, former Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh and former government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh — all supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hussein Mousavi.
Also among those in the court was senior reformist Saeed Hajjarian, an Iranian intellectual, prominent journalist, pro-democracy activist and university lecturer. He has been an intelligence official, a member of Tehran's city council, and advisor to president Mohammad Khatami. In March, 2000, he was shot in the head by an assailant and severely disabled.
He has been forced to use a wheelchair and has difficulties speaking. His detention and trial have drawn wide condemnation.
The defendants are charged with fomented riots and attempting to overthrow the ruling system.
