Iran in crisis, says former President

The former President of Iran Ali Akhbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has said his country is in crisis following last months disputed election. In a sermon held at of Tehran University and broadcast on state radio, Rafsanjani said a large group of Iranians still had doubts about the election and that something needed to be done to remove those doubts. He also called for the immediate release of political prisoners arrested during recent unrest, and for press curbs to be relaxed.

Rafsanjani’s comments came as police reportedly used tear gas and batons to break up followers of Mirhossein Mousavi. Thousands had flocked to the University to show their support for the defeated presidential candidate who was making his first public appearance since last months disputed election.

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tags: Crisis, Iran