Iranian opposition defies warning, calls for rally

The Associated Press, An Iranian reformist website says the opposition is defying a government warning and calling on people to stage a rally in solidarity with Tunisian and Egyptian protesters.

Kaleme.com published a statement Sunday by a council of opposition groups inviting people to attend a peaceful rally on Monday.

The opposition statement also accused the government of double-standards, by voicing support for Egyptian and Tunisian protesters while refusing to issue permission for Iranian political activists to stage a peaceful demonstration.

Last week, authorities rejected the opposition's request to stage the Feb. 14 rally and warned of repercussions if it does.

Tehran's rulers crushed protests following the country's disputed 2009 presidential election. The opposition has not managed to stage protests in more than a year.

An Iranian reformist website says the opposition is defying a government warning and calling on people to stage a rally in solidarity with Tunisian and Egyptian protesters.

Kaleme.com published a statement Sunday by a council of opposition groups inviting people to attend a peaceful rally on Monday.

The opposition statement also accused the government of double-standards, by voicing support for Egyptian and Tunisian protesters while refusing to issue permission for Iranian political activists to stage a peaceful demonstration.

Last week, authorities rejected the opposition's request to stage the Feb. 14 rally and warned of repercussions if it does.

Tehran's rulers crushed protests following the country's disputed 2009 presidential election. The opposition has not managed to stage protests in more than a year.