Iran’s opposition leader under house arrest

Tehran, Feb 15 (IANS/AKI) Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi was placed under house arrest, according to his official website.

The move is seen as an effort to keep him from taking part in a demonstration in solidarity with the pro-democracy protests that toppled Eyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, according to the statement Monday.

Iranian police have taken similar precaution against fellow political dissident Mehdi Karroubi.

Iranian authorities have also blocked websites and satellite news channels in an effort to disrupt communications that could help organise protests.

A few thousand anti-government protesters gathered in Tehran Monday. Some demonstrators clashed with paramilitary security forces, while at least 10 people were arrested, according to witnesses who sent out messages on Twitter.

Iranian police reportedly fired tear gas at opposition demonstrators gathering in central Tehran in support of the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Egypt.

–IANS/AKI