June 16th 2009
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's government Tuesday banned foreign media from covering rallies in Tehran being held in the wake of last week's disputed presidential election.
The decision comes after video footage emerged showing violence at demonstrations in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi. He has contested the results of Friday's election, which showed an overwhelming victory for hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Moussavi's supporters have taken to the streets, often clashing with police and Ahmadinejad's backers. Iran's government had criticized some of the media coverage and images, describing them as biased. All members of the foreign media, including CNN, will be banned from covering Tuesday's rallies in Tehran, but government-run media will be allowed to report on the demonstrations. The Iranian Ministry of Culture said Tuesday that foreign journalists won't be allowed to report on any events in Tehran outside of their offices.
Throngs of supporters of Ahmadinejad crowded the streets Tuesday. Moussavi's backers also had planned to attend a rally, but the candidate asked his supporters to forgo the demonstration to avoid a potential clash with Ahmadinejad's backers, an official with Moussavi's camp said. Seven people were killed Monday night in Tehran, government-funded Press TV said. Iran's election authority has agreed to recount some votes in the disputed election, but Moussavi has rejected the idea, asking instead for fresh elections.
|
