[Los Angeles Times] Ramin Mostaghim and Borzou Daragahi - White-turbaned cleric Mehdi Karroubi, 72, was a confidant of Ayatollah Khomeini and served seven years as speaker of parliament. In the wake of Iran's disputed presidential election, he has become the fiery heart of a protest movement that has shaken the republic's foundations. On Tuesday, Iranian authorities stormed his party's headquarters and arrested Mohammad Davari, editor of his website. They also arrested Ali-Reza Beheshti, a top aide to Karroubi's ally Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Karroubi's popular daily newspaper was shut down weeks ago. Hard-line commanders of the Revolutionary Guard and President Ahmadinejad have repeatedly called for his arrest. Karroubi has called for opposition supporters to join in street rallies Sept. 18 during Quds Day celebrations, an annual march in support of Palestinians and against Israel.
2009-09-09 08:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive