Opposition figures arrested after Iran protests

Iranian security forces on Monday arrested a number of opposition figures one day after anti-government protests erupted in Tehran on the religious ceremony of Ashura, Press TV has learned.

The Iranian capital on Sunday was the scene of anti-government protests on the anniversary of the Muslim Ashura religious event, during which people commemorate the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, Imam Hussein (PBUH).

Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters who used the religious ceremony to chant slogans against the government. Eight people were killed during the unrest.

A source told Press TV that security agents on Monday arrested Ebrahim Yazdi, a former foreign minister who is the secretary general of the Iran Freedom Movement.

Qorban-Ali Behzadiannejad and Mohammad Baqerian, two aides to former presidential candidate turned opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi, were also arrested.

Among those killed on Sunday was Seyyed Ali Mousavi, Mousavi’s nephew. Police say his death was “suspicious” and investigations into the incident are underway.

Iran’s deputy police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said the force did not use violence against protesters and it was not involved in the killing.