Iran: Rafsanjani Calls For Release Of Detained Protesters

Today in Tehran, during a Friday prayer held at Tehran University, former Iranian President, and known opponent to Ahmadinejad, Hashemi Rafsanjani said Iran was in crisis. He also called on the authorities for the release of those detained after the post-election protests.

Beside been a former President, Rafsanjani is one of Iran’s wealthiest person and has a great deal of political influence. The prayer was attended by thousands, among them was Hossein Mousavi.

Rafsanjani said in his sermon:

“We are all members of a family. I hope with this sermon we can pass through this period of hardship that can be called a crisis. In the current situation, it is not necessary to have a number of people in prison. We should allow them to return to their families.”

Rafsanjani also denounced the crack down on the press in the aftermath of the election. While he was delivering his sermon, some pro-reform supporters interrupted Rafsnajani by chanting, “Freedom, Freedom.”

Other protesters outside the University shouted “Death to the dictator,” the police responded by firing tear gas.