Iran state prosecutor warns opposition leaders may face trial over anti-government protests

Iran state prosecutor warns opposition figures

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s state prosecutor has warned top opposition leaders they could face trial if they fail to denounce this week’s anti-government protests.

The prosecutor, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, says the opposition figures could also face “charges of supporting apostates in defiance of God” over street clashes on Sunday, a sacred Shiite Muslim observance day.

At least eight people died during the protests and hundreds were arrested. It was the worst unrest since the aftermath of June’s disputed presidential election.

Ejehei’s comments, published in state-owned Iran newspaper on Thursday, raise concerns for the opposition leaders. There have also been calls for their execution as Iran’s internal strife grows more bitter.