One full week after the election that has capitvated the world and Twitter, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khomenei spoke. Addressing more than one million assembled at Tehran University, the Ayatollah minced few words when referring to Mir Hossein Mousavi and his legion of followers:
His answer was ominously clear: “Riots after an election put democracy at risk. If they don’t stop they must face the consequences. If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible.”
It soon became clear that Khamenei was not going to make a single concession to those who claim the election was “stolen”. He said bluntly: “Supporters of some of the candidates should have faith that the Islamic republic does not betray people’s votes. The country’s legal structure does not allow for fraud to take place.”
Ahmedinejad was in attendance, as were some of the highest ranking clerics–except for anti-Ahmedinejad Ayatollah, and former Iranian president, Rafsanjani. Also not in attendance was Mousavi himself.
Some in the press interpreted Khamenei’s statement about “bloodshed” as much more than threat–it was a prediction:
“I interpret that as meaning that if necessary, the regime will shed blood.”
There will be blood.
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Tags: ahmedinejad · foreign affairs · iran · khamenei · mousaviNo Comments
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