The Supreme Leader found a new way on Thursday to condemn the mass protests after the disputed 2009 Presidential election — he linked the Islamic Republic’s fight against “sedition” to its support for Gaza in war with Israel.
Addressing university students on the eve of Qods (Jersualem) Day, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The seditionists (Green Movement) with their slogan of “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon — only Iran”, wanted to portray Iran as something else to the world. But the Iranian people didn’t allow this to happen, and once again on Quds Day this Friday, we will prove as always, who is the oppressed and who the ruthless oppressor is.”
The demonstrations in 2009 had challenged the “victory” of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by claiming the hypocrisy of the Islamic Republic, asserting support of the Palestinian and Lebanese people while denying rights, justice, and reform at home.
Despite proclaiming victory over the rallies five years ago, the regime continues to hold hundreds of political prisoners, including the 2009 Presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and Mousavi’s wife, activist and academic Zahra Rahnavard.
