Iranian Lawmakers: Execute Opposition Leaders

Inspired by Egypt, tens of thousands turned out yesterday for an opposition rally in Iran—leading some lawmakers to take an especially hard line against opposition leaders today, calling for them to stand trial and be put to death. Pro-government legislators chanted, "Death to Mousavi, Karroubi, and Khatami," three of the leaders, at parliament today, the AP reports. "We believe the people have lost their patience and demand capital punishment," said 221 lawmakers in a statement.

Yesterday's rally was the first major demonstration from Iran's opposition movement since December 2009, and authorities said they will move to stifle such activity quickly. One person was killed in yesterday's protests, officials confirm; dozens more were injured and several were arrested. Iranian hardliners have sought to put opposition leaders on trial before, but calls for the death penalty are new. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed support from the US for the demonstrators yesterday, but an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson today said the US is simply "meddling." Click for more on yesterday's protests.
(More Egypt protests stories.)