Khatami's Tasooa Speech Disrupted by Regime

Former reformist President Mohamad Khatami's speech on the eve of Ashura was disrupted yesterday when approximately 50 security forces attacked the former residence of Ayatollah Khomeini (where Khatami was speaking) and started chanting "Death to those who oppose the Supreme Leader.” After a tense fifteen minute standoff, Khatami was escorted away by his body guards before tear gas was fired to disperse the mourners he was addressing.

Clashes soon reportedly broke out in the surrounding streets, where the protesters who had gathered were beaten with chains and batons. The license plates of those cars that honked their horns in solidarity with the protesters were also said to have been removed.

The dramatic footage from inside sermon hall when Khatami's speech is interrupted is embedded below: