Source: Radio Zamaneh

Opposition leader, Mohammad Khatami announced that protesters did participate under trying conditions in the February 11 demonstrations and claimed that they are by all comparisons in the majority.

Mohammad Khatami

The former Iranian president who was speaking for some of the families of political and media detainees maintained that "the protesting majority" participated in the events with utmost "grace and tolerance refraining from any form of violence but unfortunately we witnessed how they were being insulted."

On February 11, election protesters were prohibited from chanting their protest slogans and were confronted with security and Special Forces. Opposition leaders were also attacked and forced to leave the march.

Baran Foundation Website reported that on February 11 "they beat people; insulted them with obscenities and committed many other inappropriate acts."

Mohammad Khatami also criticized Iranian media and accused them of having "the greatest role in creating conflicts, divisions, provocations, violence, lies and slander."

The opposition leader also expressed concern over the continued arrest of political activists maintaining: "the damages of these actions will affect the system more than the detainees themselves;" therefore, these detainees must be released as soon as possible.

In conclusion he urged the authorities to "reduce the pressures and remove the extremists who exalt in creating conflicts, demeaning people and creating divisions."

... Payvand News - 02/23/10 ... --