Rafsanjani defies Iranian leadership

New amateur footage has emerged showing opposition demonstrators protesting against the re-election of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad.

Plainclothed Basijii militias stood in front of riot police after Friday prayers at Teheran University as the crowds chanted for the current government to resign.

Mousavi supporters faced off security forces in a re-run of demonstrations which followed in the aftermath of the disputed Presidential result amid claims of widespread fraud.

Other video showed the scene outside the Interior Ministry which oversees general elections.

There were also hardliners in the crowd chanting the traditional “Death to America.”

Mousavi supporters countered with “Death to Russia and China “ – a reference to President Ahmadienjad’s diplomatic ties to both countries.

Meanwhile former President Rafsanjani made what is being interpreted as a direct challenge to the Iranian leadership during a sermon at Friday prayers.

He sharply attacked the Guardian Council – the powerful clerical body that has become Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini and President Ahmadinejad’s strongest backer.

Referring to allegations of vote rigging Rafsanjani said it was vital to restore voters’ faith in the elections system.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Crisis, Iran