Top Iranian Cleric: No Mercy For Rioters

Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami Says Protesters "At War With God"; Mousavi Backs Away From Street Demonstrations

(CBS/AP)  Last Updated 2:05 p.m. EDT

A senior Iranian cleric demanded in a nationally broadcast sermon Friday that leaders of election protests be punished harshly, with some "worthy of execution." The country's increasingly isolated opposition leader effectively ended his role in the demonstrations, saying he'll seek permits for future rallies.

Iran's ruling clergy has widened its crackdown on the opposition since a bitterly disputed June 12 presidential election, and scattered protests have replaced the initial mass rallies.

The official Web site of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, his main tool of communicating with his supporters, was hacked Friday, leaving it blank, an aide said.

Mousavi has said victory was stolen from him through fraud, challenging the proclamation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the winner.

Mousavi has sent mixed signals to his supporters in recent days, asking them not to break the law, while pledging not to drop his challenge of the election.

Hundreds have been detained since the vote, including journalists, academics and university students, and a special court has been set up to put them on trial.

In Friday's central Muslim sermon at Tehran University, a senior cleric, Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami, called for harsh retribution for dissent.

"Anybody who fights against the Islamic system or the leader of Islamic society, fight him until complete destruction," he said in the nationally broadcast speech.

The cleric alleged that some involved in the unrest had used firearms.

"Anyone who takes up arms to fight with the people, they are worthy of execution," he said. "We ask that the judiciary confront the leaders of the protests, leaders of the violations, and those who are supported by the United States and Israel strongly, and without mercy to provide a lesson for all."

Khatami said those who disturbed the peace and destroyed public property were "at war with God," and said they should be "dealt with without mercy."

He reminded worshippers that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rules by God's design and must not be defied.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

The cleric also lashed out at foreign journalists, accusing them of false reporting, and singled out Britain for new criticism.

"In this unrest, Britons have behaved very mischievously and it is fair to add the slogan of 'down with England' to slogan of 'down with USA,"' he said, as his remarks were interrupted by worshippers' chants of "Death to Israel."

Iran's rulers have accused the West, which has become increasingly vocal in its condemnation of the postelection clampdown, of meddling in Iran's internal affairs. Earlier this week, Iran expelled two British diplomats, prompting the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats by Britain.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama renewed his criticism of Iran's violent crackdown on protesters and dismissed Ahmadinejad's demand for an apology.

"I don't take Mr. Ahmadinejad's statements seriously about apologies, particularly given the fact that the United States has gone out of its way not to interfere with the election process in Iran."

Mr. Obama said Ahmadinejad should "think carefully about the obligations he owes to his own people. And he might want to consider looking at the families of those who've been beaten or shot or detained. … That's where I think Mr. Ahmadinejad and others need to answer their questions."

Mr. Obama spoke at a White House news conference alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Mr. Obama said he and Merkel "speak with one voice" in condemning the recent violence.

In the latest admonition of U.S. political leaders, Iran's state-controlled PressTV also criticized three "hawkish" U.S. senators - John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman - for calling the Iranian elections "rigged." The state report said the lawmakers had been "firmly warned against any interference in the country's internal affairs."

In Trieste, Italy, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries called for an end to the violence in Iran and urged the authorities to find a peaceful solution.

And human rights groups, along with the Canadian government, have expressed concern that Iran has put a feared, hard-line prosecutor in charge of the cases of arrested journalists.

Khatami, meanwhile, alleged that the icon of the opposition, slain protester Neda Agha Soltan, was killed by demonstrators, not the Iranian security forces. Soltan, 27, was killed by a shot to the chest last week, on the sidelines of a protest.

"The proof and evidence shows that they (protesters) have done it themselves and have raised propaganda against the system," he said. "I say hereby that these deceitful media have to know that the ordeal will be over and shame will remain for them."

In London, an Iranian doctor who said he tried to save Soltan as the young woman bled to death, told the BBC she apparently was shot by a member of the Basij militia. Protesters spotted an armed member of the militia on a motorcycle, and stopped and disarmed him, said Dr. Arash Hejazi.

The man appeared to admit shooting Soltan, shouting "I didn't want to kill her," but the furious protesters confiscated his identity card and took photographs of him before letting him go, Hejazi said.

In quelling protests, Basij militiamen have broken up even small groups of people walking together to prevent any possible gathering. Still, dozens of friends and relatives of Soltan managed to pay tribute Friday, arriving at Tehran's Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in groups of two and three, uttering brief prayers and placing flowers on her grave, witnesses said.

Vigils for Soltan have been held around the world.

Mousavi, who has said he is being increasingly isolated, lost his main link to the world after his official Web site, Kalemeh, came up blank and stripped of any text or pictures. Mousavi's associate Ali Reza Beheshti told The Associated Press the site had been taken down by unknown hackers.

In a message on the site late Thursday, Mousavi had said he would seek permission for future protests, even though he said unfair restrictions were being imposed. He said he has been asked by the Interior Ministry to apply in person, a week ahead of time.

The opposition leader noted that Ahmadinejad has been able to hold two postelection marches and a Tehran rally "that were well-publicized on state television, seeming to encourage participation with their regularly advertised march routes."

Mousavi has said the authorities are pressuring him to withdraw his challenge by trying to isolate and discredit him. He hasn't led a rally in more than a week.

Khamenei has ordered a large security detail around Mousavi - ostensibly to protect him, but presumably also to restrict his movements. Authorities have also targeted those close to Mousavi.

Late Thursday, state TV reported that the head of Mousavi's information committee, Abolfazl Fateh, was banned from leaving Iran for Britain. The report, which could not be verified independently, identified Fateh as a doctoral student in Britain.

The semiofficial Fars news agency said Fateh was banned from travel so authorities could investigate "some of the recent gatherings," a reference to election protests.

At least 11 Mousavi campaign workers and 25 staffers on his newspaper have been detained.

On Wednesday, 70 university professors were detained immediately after meeting with Mousavi. All but four have been released. Those still in custody included Qorban Behzadiannejad, Mousavi's former campaign manager.

At least 17 people have been killed in postelection protests, in addition to eight members of the Basij, the government has said.

[Sloughfoot]

You gotta love those "Muslims". "Peace"!

[vahid470470]

The world should close any diplomatic relation with this regimin, you see this regimen do not shame to talk about killing people only because of asking own rights.

[Sloughfoot]

What rights? Rights are something you "may have" have in a Democracy. Do not confuse a Theocracy with Democracy. Don't confuse Communism with Democracy, and never confuse a Democracy with Democracy. Those in power want to remain in power, some will do all that their citizenry allow them to do to maintain that power.

[xalen54]

Khatami said those who disturbed the peace and destroyed public property were "at war with God," and said they should be "dealt with without mercy."
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This is just a red flag waving to note a full dictatorship. Also have-a-day, your statement is so true :P

[speakinup22]

I would say that Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami is working himself closer and closer to martyrdom. If he keeps on torking off people and surpressing them, someone in the opposition is going to pop this beady-eyed little islamic facist before this is all over.

The it will be time for the US to dance in the streets.

[ToolMangler1]

"The cleric alleged that some involved in the unrest had used firearms."

"Anyone who takes up arms to fight with the people, they are worthy of execution," he said. "We ask that the judiciary confront the leaders of the protests, leaders of the violations, and those who are supported by the United States and Israel strongly, and without mercy to provide a lesson for all."



What he didn't say was that the killings were done by the 'Basij' and they are up to their eyeballs in the unrest and the cause of most of it!!!! They are the ones 'with' the guns, Iran ships guns to any terrorist group that can pay the price, but they don't lett their own people buy them. So I feel that the Clerics are the ones fighting against GOD. The head man said so himself... (Khatami said those who disturbed the peace and destroyed public property were "at war with God," and said they should be "dealt with without mercy.") and the Basij are the ones doing the killing, as I said before.,

[cinoti]

Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami speaks for God? ..
He would have normal human beings believe that
he is the mouth of God. What Hubris, what ego, what a Liar
This only proves that God is no where to be found, in the
modern world, where speaking with and for God, is labeled
a mental condition.
Where is the justice that a pathological pervert has governmental
power!

[ToolMangler1]

GOD is to be found by those that really want to. The Iranian Clerics don't want to find GOD because they would have to reverse their former rhetoric if they truly found him, (that means they wont look)...

[nofoolling]

This is Iran's business and there is little legally any other country can do except condemn violent action on all sides.

Those that use this as an opportunity to bash Obama are simply looking for a reason to spout their displeasure with the President and need no prompting nor rationale to condone it. I suppose it's their right, regardless of how extremely irrelevant it is to this situation. Rant on oblivious ranters.

The only observation I'd make is that many Iranians feel as if they've been cheated in the election and are taking to the streets to express that feeling.

America was cheated in 2000 by the Bush/Cheney crime syndicate(hanging chads, hardy har har) and only a few took to the streets. They lied us into a war and only a few took to the streets. They've slaughtered almost a million humans and few have taken to the streets.

Now Obama is continuing the lies and policies of the criminals who were in office before him and few are taking to the streets.

Welcome to America, home of the civilized sheeple.

[ToolMangler1]

Yep!! Here you can say that and keep living, Try it in Iran or N Korea.

[libtoad]

Funny coincidence: we have a Supremem Muslim leader too in Obummer! Talk about irony...

!Viva Rev Wright and Gdamn America!

[ToolMangler1]

Tell ya what, you move to Afreaka and tell us "good ol' boys" to kiss it so we have a reason to hunt you up (or down)

[John_Merritt]

No I think this is absolutely what the 'doctor' ordered. To see Iran have to finally, and maybe finally, face the wrath of not only their people; but of the entire 'free' Islamic world. They are living in the past and Saudi and Egypt and Syria are the 'new Islam'; if there is such a phrase. Hopefully, we can get the 'older brothers' involved in modifying beliefs and/ot bringing Iran into the new age. If not this whole thing will blow up in their faces, which I would not feel bad about either. Every revolution has had its martyrs and heroes, as well as villians. I believe we might be watching history in the making. Now if I was Obama I would be pushing for the Islam Family to govern themselves, and then we can watch them destroy each other; if that is God's will? Who knows? I don't, do you? If people have to die, than they died for something they believed in. I applaud them for their sacrifice. No cowardice in true believers I hope? sign me: May God's will be done. Amen

[Sloughfoot]

"May God's Will Be Done, Amen" wasn't that a radical muslim cleric's line and isn't that how this mess all started?

[wdh3007]

The youth of Iran are not at war with god as this idiot procliams they are war with radical muslim clerics who force the strict rule of law on anyone they see fit. The only way to defeat religious extremists like this is to do away with them before they do away with you.

[Sloughfoot]

What makes you think these Muslim Clerics are Radical. They sound just like the Muslim Clerics the Middle East, in Africa, in S.E.Asia, in Central Asis in N. America, in Europe. Find me an un-radical muslim cleric and give me his name, sorry has to be a him girls not allowed.

[rational_1]

Just keep telling yourself that Islam is a religion of peace. Never forget to remain politically correct - even if every fiber of your being is laughing hysterically at your hypocrisy. Fundamentalist wackjobs, whether they be Islamic or Christian or whatever, have always been and remain the greatest threats to peace for the majority of people who just wish they would go away.

[Sloughfoot]

Another Ally

[libtoad]

"rioters" or "protestors"??? nice work CBS!

[gravyboat3000]

The headline was a quote.

You ain't all there, is ya?

[libtoad]

what headline? there is no "quote" in the headline - there is a quote in the "byline" but I'm you already knew that...

[choufei]

I do not understand: Why so many americans like the WAR???

You think WAR is good for America??? No!!! Totally not!!!

Actually, WAR is very bad for America!!!

Remember your BIG WAR in Vietnam!!! In your history!!!

American people really need to be better educated!!!

[libtoad]

Remember the Crusades? Thought y'all learned then...

[gravyboat3000]

You got a point, the average American is dummer than dirt. Or, they just don't care enough to,"educate", themselves on any given topic before making comments, here, and on many other sites I've posted on.

Sad, but true.

Just look at libtoad's response to your post.

"Remember the Crusades"?

Obviously, he/she does not.

[libtoad]

the BIG WAR you mention was a BIG WAR that was basically WON by the USA, until Walter "bleeding heart" Cronkite reported on it...and until the US government bent over for the "protesting" peaceniks...

[ggimperatore]

"It's God's will". Khatami is channeling George Carlin. Khatami hasn't realized yet, but he's marginalized himself. The population of Iran is waking up to the fact that they have all the power.
To support a regime through the force of armed thugs will sadly cause great loss of life, but will accelerate change there

[Sloughfoot]

Ain't going to happen! Iranians are strong supporters of Islam. Islam suppresses free thought. As do most other religions, can't think of one that doesn't. When Religion rules, Theocracy; Freedom(s) Gone! End of story.

[6591Hou]

Well at least the Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami has provided for everyone to see the difference between his government and ours - be it Democrat or Republican...we don't call for the executions of citizens who disagrees with the administration. There can be no more strident contrast between them and ourselves than his own statement.
My advice is that the United States let the situation stand with that, and allow the Iranian people to contemplate their choices.

[billpl-2009]

"....apparently was shot by a member of the Basij militia. Protesters spotted an armed member of the militia on a motorcycle, and stopped and disarmed him....."

Yeah but it's alright to let loose murderess thugs into the streets

this guy is NO man of God

NO God would approve

[alien_view]

Iranian clerics are so far removed from God, that if God bit them on the butt they wouldn't know it. These clerics are just like in past generations power hungry officers that will do anything to keep their power, riches and influence over people. They enjoy being on top being the puppet master. One of these days, the Iranian people will have their day of change over their opressive government puppet masters. We pray for you and your success, when ever it comes.

[lileoj]

What a phickin idiot "Protest" is just that protest not an act of defiance of God. Amazing how dumb and delusional some of these clerics are.

[Benton09]

Until countries stop being ruled by fanatical religious types, like Aba Doob Doobie here, true freedom will never exist for the people.
It's like America putting Pat Robertson in charge!

[Sloughfoot]

Kind of!

[afrazier1]

Let's do a little comparison here. Iran has an election and the wrong guy wins. Does this sound a little familiar? Did Americans riot in the streets? Did one person loose their life over the election of 2000 or 2004? Did I hear right? That 75% of the population in Iran is under 30? This whole thing is about life style. These young people want nothing more than what young people in the west feel they are entitled to. The Internet and cell communications are shrinking the world into one place with people of all populations wanting the same entitlements. Once everyone learns that killing in the name of God is wrong then we will have taken a major step forward. It's also about womens rights. It's not about who rules but how they rule them. The mullah's were once revolutionists themselves and what they see scares the hell out of them. So a better way would be to give the people the what they want. Right now, these young people want the Internet, Pop music and fashionable clothes and no restrictions on how to where them (sounds like the US in the 50's with the exception of the Internet). We can do nothing but watch. The rest is entirely up to the Iranian public.