BBC – Iranian Police Disperse Mourners

Iran police halt mourning protest

Neda Agha Soltan, 27, was shot dead on 20 June as she watched protests against the poll result. Her death – one of 10 that day – was filmed on a mobile phone and broadcast around the world.

Shia Muslims traditionally mark 40 days after a death with a ceremony called the “arbayeen”.

Mr Mousavi and another opposition leader, Mehdi Karroubi, had asked the interior ministry for permission to hold a memorial service in Tehran’s Mosalla mosque, according to an aide to Mr Mousavi, but permission was denied.

So the opposition leaders said they would join Neda’s family at her graveside at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.

Witnesses said about 150 police as well as members of the Islamic Basij militia were there, with a number surrounding the section where Neda is buried.

Mr Mousavi got out of his car and walked up to Neda’s grave, but was then surrounded by police, the witnesses told AFP news agency.

“Mousavi was not allowed to recite the Koran verses said on such occasions and he was immediately surrounded by anti-riot police who led him to his car,” a witness said.

Other witnesses said that mourners clung to his car, chanting “Mousavi, we support you”.

“Hundreds have gathered around Neda Agha Soltan’s grave to mourn her death and other victims’ deaths… police arrested some of them … dozens of riot police also arrived and are trying to disperse the crowd,” another witness told Reuters.

Video of the murder of Neda Agha Soltan (Very Graphic)

BBC Reports Iranian Police Force Mourners to Leave Cemetery