Iran’s foreign minister heckled in Dublin; Iranian security guards rough up 2 protesters

Iran’s foreign minister heckled in Dublin; 3 held

DUBLIN — Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki narrowly avoided being pelted with eggs during a Dublin appearance overshadowed by angry clashes with several Iranian dissidents.

Mottaki’s security guards roughed up two protesters who interrupted his appearance Wednesday at Dublin’s Institute of International and European Affairs. Both men — who shouted that Mottaki represented terrorism and dictatorship — were kicked and pushed downstairs but not seriously injured.

Outside, several protesters hurled eggs and kicked at Mottaki’s car as he departed. Guards shielded Mottaki with an umbrella. Irish police arrested three protesters.

Mottaki denounced Wednesday’s U.N. Security Council vote to impose new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.