Michael Jackson Dead at 50

TMZ was reporting it first (The Blog Prof has links and Memeorandum), and then the Los Angeles Times, "Michael Jackson is dead [Updated]." Both Fox News and CNN held off on reporting, until a few minutes ago, absent confirmation. I was never one to be too hard on Michael Jackson. Reclusive and enormously wierd (and perhaps criminal), Michael Jackson, and earlier, with The Jackson 5, was more than a cultural icon in my family. Like Farrah Fawcett, Jackson's death engenders "wistfulness." I truly feel older today.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Revolutionary Guard, Key to Power in Iran

From the Los Angeles Times, "Iran supreme leader's son seen as power broker with big ambitions":

There are few anecdotes about him, and pictures, at least ones that have appeared in public, are scarce. But Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's supreme leader, wields considerable power and is a key figure in orchestrating the crackdown against anti-government protesters, analysts say.

The younger Khamenei operates tucked behind an elaborate security structure, an overlapping world that stretches from Iran's Revolutionary Guard corps to the motorcycle-riding Basiji militiamen.

Analysts and former dissidents describe him as the gatekeeper for his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a reclusive son whose political instincts were sharpened in a post-revolutionary Iran where affiliations with security and intelligence services were just as important as Islamic ideology ....

"Mojtaba's hands are well into the [Revolutionary Guard] hierarchy," said Said Idriss, an Iranian expert with Cairo's Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. "Like all conservatives, he is keen not to let any reformers reach power because then many questions will be raised regarding the financial management of the country and the billions of dollars conservatives use to support their regional political agenda.

The video above, from Al Jazeera, on the Revolutionary Guards, discusses the monopoly on the use of force in Iran.

Despite rumors of dissension, the police apparatus appears unified and in full control. From Con Coughlin, "Is Iran's Ruthless Crackdown Working?":

The effectiveness with which Iran's security forces have dealt with the worst outbreak of political violence since the 1979 Islamic revolution illustrates the scale of the challenge faced by the Green Revolution's supporters in changing the way the country is governed.

From the moment Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader, issued a stark warning declaring the protests to be illegal, the regime has moved quickly and forcefully to suppress the pro-reform movement.

And, to judge by the diminishing numbers of protesters who are prepared to risk their lives demonstrating against the result of the recent presidential election, the tactics appear to be working.

More at the link, and also the BBC and Memeorandum.

Democratic Scheme Shuts Down July 4 Atlanta Tea Party!

I saw Obi's Sister's report last night, "Very Sad News":

The Atlanta Tea Party, scheduled for July 4th at Gwinnett Place Mall, has been cancelled.

But via Glenn Reynolds and Bob Owens, it turns out that top Democratic Party donors schemed to have the event shut down, "Large Democratic Donors Help Shut Down July 4 Atlanta Tea Party":

A real estate company whose owners have contributed heavily to Democratic causes apparently used articles and content on conservative blogs to justify bringing about pressure to shut down an Atlanta tea party protest scheduled for the Fourth of July — an event that organizers estimated would attract 20,000 people.

The apparent plot was uncovered when blogger and radio talk show host Andrea Shea King noticed an unusual amount of traffic coming to her site earlier this month.

On Jun 16, Andrea Shea King emailed me, questioning a heavy burst of Sitemeter traffic coming from Simon.com. She included screencaps of the traffic, two of which are reproduced below (click to enlarge).

Go to the post for the screencaps and concluding analysis.

As Glenn says, "Well, I guess that means they’re afraid."

They should be: The Obama/Democratic agenda is shaping up as THE MASSIVE FAIL of 2009!

Possible Iran Runoff Election!

From Iran Bureau, "25 June: Possible compromise?":

The following is from Mehdi Noorbaksh, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology:

There is a possibility, and I am saying a possibility, for a compromise on the election result among the involved parties in Iran in the next couple of days. I received a call from Iran late last night indicating that there is a possibility for a runoff between Mousavi and Ahmadinejad. There are a few points that we should consider in this context.

1. The Guardian Council all but acknowledged election irregularities a few days ago and indicated that it involved 3 million votes. This body did not restrict these irregularities to a few thousand or even a hundred thousand votes, but millions. That was a face saving gesture to open the door for a possible future compromise in the event of mounting pressure. There are other irregularities having the same nature. Many districts, up to 170, show voter turnout of 95% to 140% of the eligible voters.

2. Ali Larijani, the head of the Iranian parliament, is trying to convince the leadership on the side of the supreme leader to give national TV time to Mousavi to talk to the Iranian people. In his TV talk a couple of days ago, Larijani was critical of the Iranian national TV for not allowing Mousavi to use that medium of communication to talk to the Iranian people. He also announced that a few members of the Guardian Council were biased toward one candidate, namely Ahmadinejad, in the election.

3. There is report that Rafsanjani has succeeded to get the signatures and support of many of the high clerics in Qom denouncing the election. If they openly denounce the election that could be a colossal blow to the supreme leader, and the much diminished legitimacy of the institution of Velayat-e Faqih and his authority.

4. The Guardian Councils’ investigation of the vote fraud has been extended, possibly to gain more time in negotiating a solution to the conflict.

More at the link (or e-mail me for a full copy of the report).

The Washington Post has the story, "Possible Runoff Vote, Power Struggle in Iran." And from the Los Angeles Times, "Iran Opposition lLader Mir-Hossein Mousavi Lashes Out; 70 Professors Arrested."

More news at The Lede, "Latest Updates on Iran’s Disputed Election," Nico Pitney, "AHMADINEJAD LASHES OUT: Compares Obama To Bush," and Ed Morrissey, "Ahmadinejad Snubbed by Iranian Parliament."

Check updates at Memeorandum as well.

Farrah Fawcett, 62, Was America's '70s Pinup

Farrah Fawcett has died.

The Los Angeles Times has an obituary, "Farrah Fawcett dies at 62; actress rose above 'Charlie's Angels'":

Farrah Fawcett, who soared to fame as a national sex symbol in the late 1970s on television's campy "Charlie's Angels" and in a swimsuit poster that showcased her feathery mane and made her a generation's favorite pinup, died today. She was 62.

Fawcett, whose celebrity overshadowed her ability as a serious actress, was diagnosed with a rare anal cancer in 2006, died about 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, said Paul Bloch, her publicist.
Three months after she was declared cancer-free in 2007, doctors at UCLA Medical Center told her the cancer had returned, spreading to her liver, and she repeatedly sought experimental treatment in Germany.

As an actress, Fawcett was initially dismissed for her role as Jill Munroe in "Charlie's Angels," one of the "jiggle" series on ABC-TV in the late 1970s.

But she transformed her career and some popular perceptions in 1984 with "The Burning Bed," a television movie about a battered wife that brought her the first of three Emmy nominations. She further established herself as an actress in the play and later feature film "Extremities," about a rape victim who takes revenge on her attacker.

For many, the poster of her wearing a wet one-piece swimsuit and a blinding smile endured.

More here. A photo slideshow is here.

Photo Credit: Times of London.

Palin Hits Back at 'Malicious' Photoshop of Son Trig

Via Riehl World View, CNN reports that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has denounced Democratic blogger Linda Kellen Biegel, who posted a nasty Photoshop of Palin's son Trig to her website, Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis.

That's Ms. Biegel below, carbo-protein-loading for her next round of attacks on the Palins. No Sheeples Here! has more information:

Dan Riehl, who features Biegel's Facebook photo to the right of an earlier post, adds this:

Apparently Linda Kellen Biegel thinks it funny to alter an image to portray Trig as her "humorous" version of what a child with Down's syndrome would look like.

At right is what Linda Kellen Biegel's un-altered picture looks like.

Need I say more?

She must be relying on PETA to protect her. But I doubt they'll want that face for one of those warm fuzzy billboards during "Hug an Animal" week.

See Memeorandum as well, for example, Sister Toldjah, "Yet Another Sterling Example of Liberal “Compassion”."

But see especially, Conservatives for Sarah Palin, "Obsession Clouds Common Decency ."

More Weenie Diplomacy? Venezuela and Syria

"Can't have the Iranian diplomats over for hot dogs? Then kiss and make up with their friends."

That would be President Barack "Buns" Obama making nice with Venezuela and Syria.

Get the full story from Fausta, at Real Clear World.

Hope Fades but Anger is Alive in Iran Crackdown

From the Washington Post, "Hope Fades but Anger is Alive as Iran's Rulers Crack Down":

Standing in Tehran's grand Vali-e Asr Street amid a sea of green, the opposition's signature color, Mehrdad was sure Iran was on the verge of a change for the better.

He pulled out his cellphone and started filming the crowd around him: the girls in green head scarves, the ladies in traditional chador with green bands around their wrists, the middle-aged couple holding hands as they marched. All were supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi, the man Mehrdad was certain would be the next president of Iran.

That was two weeks ago. Now everything has changed.

"I deleted those movies," said Mehrdad, a tall 31-year-old who, like others interviewed for this article, spoke on the condition that his last name not be used. "What if they find those on my cellphone? I could be arrested. Actually, I could be arrested even for wearing green."

Mehrdad is one among millions, part of a movement that has gone in a matter of days from the exultant hope of reforming Iran's government to the disappointment of facing down leaders who have labeled them terrorists and hooligans. For now, at least, the millions are largely silenced. Only small groups venture out to demonstrate, and when they do, they are suppressed violently.

But their anger remains.

More at the link.

Hat Tip: Lucianne. See also, Ryan Mauro, "Regime Change in Iran: Yes, We Can."

Who’s Funding the Obamacare Astroturf Campaign?

Care of The Rhetorican, check out Michelle Malkin's new piece, "Who's Funding the Obamacare Campaign?":

If you believe the White House, there are 30 million Americans who support a government health care takeover. But if you look at the funding behind the Obamacare Astroturf campaign, it’s the same few Leftist billionaires, union bosses, and partisan community organizers pushing the socialized medicine agenda. Let’s connect the dots.

On Thursday, a national “grass-roots” coalition called “Health Care for America Now (HCAN)” will march on Capitol Hill to demand universal health care. The ground troops won’t have to march very far. HCAN, you see, is no heartland network. It is headquartered at 1825 K Street in Washington, D.C. – smack dab in the middle of Beltway lobby land.

In fact, 1825 K Street is Ground Zero for a plethora of “progressive” groups subsidized by anti-war, anti-Republican, Big Nanny special interests. Around Washington, the office complex is known as “The Other K Street.” The Washington Post noted in 2007 that “[i]ts most prominent tenants form an abbreviated who’s who of well-funded allies of the Democratic Party… Big money from unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, as well as the Internet-fueled MoveOn, has provided groups like those at 1825 K Street the wherewithal to mount huge campaigns.”

MoveOn, of course, is the recreational political vehicle of radical liberal sugar daddy George Soros. The magnate’s financial fingerprints are all over the HCAN coalition, which includes MoveOn; the action fund of the Center for American Progress (a Soros think tank); and the Campaign for America’s Future (a pro-welfare state lobbying outfit).

Read the whole thing, at the link.

Plus, check out Michelle's forthcoming book, Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies.

Democratic Values! Left-Wing Alaska Operative 'Ghoulshops' Trig Palin!

A top Alaska Democratic Party operative once again proves the everyday demonology of left-wing secular progressives.

Via Gateway Pundit and Conservatives for Sarah Palin, it turns out that Linda Kellen Biegel, the publisher of Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis, has Photoshopped a ghoulish picture of Trig Palin at her blog. She's also linked by the Alaska Democratic Party website:

From Conservatives for Sarah Palin:

Disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. Is this the position of the Alaska Democratic party? Keep in mind that she was the official Alaska blogger for the DNC.

Does Bob Poe, who attended a Q&A with Linda Biegel, approve of this?

Actually, why don't you email Bob Poe himself to find out...

And she's linked at the Alaska Democrat's website!

Check this link for the e-mail addresses to Alaska State Democratic Party officials.

Here's Biegel's Facebook link (available from a public Google search). Send her a "friend" request with a personal message!

**********

UPDATE: Celtic Diva's response is here. And this is what it's all about:

When folks like this think a radio talk show host is a "Homophobic, Red Shirt, Bible-Thumping Nazi, Gay Bashing, Tea-Bagging Racist, White Guy Bigot," it's pretty clear they're not losing sleep over "ghoulshopping" Trig Palin into a grotesque ridicule of Downs syndrome.

More information here:

For those of you who might be unaware, Linda Kellen Biegel was one of the people who filed a frivolous ethics complaint against Gov. Palin. Her complaint claimed that the governor abused the Ethics Act because she wore a jacket with ... the logo of the company that sponsors her husband in the Iron Dog snowmachine race. Biegel's ridiculous complaint was, of course, dismissed, but not after costing the governor thousands of dollars in legal debt to defend herself. You can donate to the governor's legal defense fund, The Alaska Fund Trust, here.Biegel's use of this sick photoshop is part of her efforts to raise money for her next frivolous ethics complaint.

Well, They Didn't RSVP...

Here's Allahpundit on President Obama's reversal on the Iranians and 4th of July hospitality:

I wonder what changed his mind. Was it the mass head-cracking today in Baharestan Square? Or, like me, did he read the story about regime filthbags evicting Neda’s grieving family from their home and find himself consumed with righteous rage? Probably not the latter. President Spock doesn’t do rage.

Also, Jennifer Rubin:

The president has rescinded his invitation for hot dogs with Iranian diplomats after days of criticism from the blogosphere, members of Congress, and conservatives. Once again the Left has been marched up the hill to defend the inexcusable (How rude to disinvite someone with whom we may have to “engage”! How petty!) only to abandon the position when common sense or political necessity intervene.

This is a pattern of course — on the president’s language on Iran, on release of detainee abuse photos, on Chas Freeman, and sort of on a Truth Commission. One would think the Right has more influence with this administration than do those who launched his campaign and put him in the White House ...

Plus, Ed Morrissey, "Weenie diplomacy now out?"

Professor Paul Rahe on Iran Uprising

Power Line has published comments on the Iran uprising from Paul Rahe. He is a Professor of History and Political Science at Hillsdale College, and the author of Soft Despotism, Democracy's Drift: Montesquieu, Rousseau, Tocqueville, and the Modern Prospect. :

From all of this, the supporters of George W. Bush's policy in Iraq should draw consolation, for the elections that took place in that country under the American aegis contributed mightily to the discontent in Iran. The people of Iran were witness to the emergence within Iraq of a secular republic sponsored by an Iranian cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, possessed of an erudition and an authority rivalling and arguably surpassing that of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They were witness to elections that were really free and to public debate open in ways that debate within the Islamic Republic is not. Morever, in Quom, the stronghold of the Shiite clergy, the clerics who most fully command respect have long rejected, as contrary to Shiite tradition and the interest of Islam, the path of direct clerical rule pursued by Khomeini.

Read the whole thing at the link.

Bloodbath in Tehran: Obama, Stunning Abdication of Leadership

Ongoing coverage at Atlas Shrugs, Nice Deb, Steve Schippert, and Glenn Reynolds.

The Obama administration has rescinded its 4th of July invitations to Iranian diplomats. Melanie Phillips comments:

What a disgrace that this man is leader of the free world; and at such a point in history. If he had put America stoutly behind the protesters and championed them against the regime, by now they might have toppled it. There are signs today that even the fawning American media is appalled.

Here are more viideos via iReport, uploaded today:

And check this report from Australia's ABC News, "'Blood Everywhere' in Fresh Iran Crackdown":

There are reports of another brutal crackdown in Iran, with websites, internet bloggers and eyewitnesses all talking of a bloodbath in Tehran.

The reports suggest thousands of police and pro-government militia have used firearms, clubs and teargas to suppress another opposition rally.

There is even one account of a nine-year-old girl being shot.

Hussein Obama: Pandering to Islamic Radicals

From Anne Bayefsky, "A Weak American President":

President Obama has staked his reputation on being a human rights guru to people around the world. But his remarks at Tuesday's news conference and behavior since taking office have instead exposed a different persona--that of human rights charlatan.

On June 15, three days after the phony Iranian elections and the same day that seven Iranian demonstrators were murdered, Obama's UN Ambassador, Susan Rice, made a speech in Vienna promoting the Saint Obama vision: "The responsibility to protect is a duty that I feel deeply. … We must prepare for the likelihood that we will again face the worst impulses of human nature run riot, perhaps as soon as in days to come. And we must be ready. … We all know the greatest obstacle to swift action in the face of sudden atrocity is, ultimately, political will. … It requires above all the courage and compassion to act. Together, let us all help one other to have and to act upon the courage of our convictions."

A week later there were multiple casualties, injuries and threats, and 46 million voters wrenched away from that doorway to freedom that had opened--if only a crack. But when the president was asked Tuesday: "Is there any red line that your administration won't cross where that offer [to talk to Iran's leaders] will be shut off?" He answered: "We're still waiting to see how it plays itself out" ....

This Iranian government has told us in deeds, as well as in words, exactly what path it has chosen. President Obama has told us his path also: pandering to Islamic radicals and empty posturing. Ironically, the rest of the world claimed they wanted a weak American president whose foreign policy would read "apologize, capitulate and stand down." Now that they have what they asked for, real human rights victims are being forced to pay the piper.

P.S. Can somebody get Reihan Salam a clue!

Obama Health Takeover! All Taxes on the Table!

Via Midnight Blue, "Everything Is On The Table" (link):

Also, Amy Walter, "Not In My Health Plan: Would-Be Reformers Must Convince Voters That An Overhaul Won't Affect Their Care."

Sanford Admits Affair and Explains Disappearance

Via Dan Riehl, "Scratch Sanford For 2012":

Update: Admits affair. Resigns as Chair of GOP Gov's Assoc.

And the New York Times, "Gov. Sanford Admits Affair and Explains Disappearance":

Mark Sanford, the governor of South Carolina, apologized in a rambling news conference on Wednesday for having an extra-marital affair with a woman in Argentina, ending a mystery over his week-long disappearance that had infuriated lawmakers and seemed to put his rising political career in jeopardy.

Governor Sanford admitted he had been in Buenos Aires, Argentina, since Thursday, not hiking on the Appalachian Trail as he told his staff. In revealing an affair that had gone on for about a year — and which he had disclosed to his wife, Jenny, five months ago, he said: “This was selfishness on my part.”

Mr. Sanford announced on Wednesday that he was resigning his position as chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

In an interview with The State newspaper of Columbia, S.C., on Wednesday morning, Mr. Sanford said he had taken an unplanned trip to the South American country to recharge after a difficult legislative session in which he battled with lawmakers over accepting a portion of the federal stimulus funding.

He had considered hiking the trail, he said. “But I said ‘no’ I wanted to do something exotic,” Mr. Sanford told The State. “It’s a great city.”

Only at the news conference did he reveal why he traveled there.

Michelle Malkin:

It’s the only fitting word for a man who abandons his wife and four sons on Father’s Day weekend to indulge his “overdrive” on an Argentinian fling.

Mark Sanford: Bastard.

Also, The State, "Sanford admits affair, apologizes to family."

For analysis see, "Curse of the 2012 GOP," and Memeorandum.

Iran Parliament Crackdown! Bloody Sniper Video! Frantic Callers!

Readers should go to Twitter #IranElection for the phenomenal output of information coming out of Iran right now. Lots of information at Memeorandum!

Here's a video of apparent sniper attacks, dated today:

Here's a YouTube clip, "Brutality in Iran," featuring a panicked phone call to CNN's Wolf Blitzer:

ABC's Lara Setrakian tweets from Iran:

source: they are beating people severely. helicopters all over the city finding protesters & telling guards so they go attack #iranelection ...

Here's another, from parishki:

CONFIRMED/URGENT RT: Police Are Checking Cells for Videos & Pictures: Transfer Files, Wipe Clean Phone Memory #iranelection #gr88

Check some of the others blogging:

* Atlas Shrugs, "IRAN: DAY 12 OF THE REVOLUTION - How could Obama do nothing? 'Blood everywhere' 'militia with axe chopping ppl like meat" 'militia beating one woman with baton on ground - she had no defense nothing - sure that she is dead'."

* Gateway Pundit, "CRACKDOWN IN BAHARESTAN SQUARE!... 3 People Shot-- Police Will Not Allow Protesters to Assist Them ...Update: 1 Woman Dead ...Update: Several Dead."

* Hot Air, "Massacre near Iran’s Parliament? Audio: Eyewitness describes massacre."

* The Anchoress, "Massacre in Tehran? – UPDATES."

* Nico Pitney, "BLOODY RALLY REPORTED OUTSIDE IRAN'S PARLIAMENT."

* The Lede, "Latest Updates on Iran’s Disputed Election":

Update 2:10 p.m. The Associated Press reports on Wednesday’s clashes:

Protesters and riot police clashed in the streets around Iran’s parliament Wednesday as hundreds of people converged on a Tehran square in defiance of government orders to halt demonstrations demanding a new presidential election, witnesses said.

Security forces appeared to vastly outnumber the demonstrators, and they beat protesters gathered on Baharestan Square with batons and fired tear gas canisters and rounds of ammunition into the air, witnesses told The Associated Press. They said some demonstrators fought back while others fled to another Tehran plaza, Sepah Square, about a mile (2 kilometers) to the north.

A helicopter could be seen hovering over central Tehran, where a witness told the AP that the area was swarming with hundreds of riot police who were trying to prevent people from gathering even briefly. Thousands more security officers filled the surrounding streets, said the witness, who declined to give his name for fear of government reprisals.

Obama Woos Mullahs, Betrays Iran's Protesters (GRAPHIC!)

Here's the Washington Times, "EXCLUSIVE: U.S. contacted Iran's ayatollah before election."

The Rhetorican adds this:

This overtures from the administration to the Iranian regime put Obama’s apathy towards the Iranian protesters in perspective. Seems Obama was playing it cool towards the uprising in the hope he could still score a date with the regime, like a wary suitor waiting for a cue from a skeptical beloved.

More at Memeorandum.

Obama Shamelessly Throws Himself at the Iranian Mullahs

From Dr. Sanity's morning post, on President Obama's Fourth of July invitation to Iran's mullah diplomats:

Are you proud to be hosting a bunch of murderous, lying thugs on our national holiday of freedom and liberty? Are you proud of Obama's simpering, fawning behavior when it comes to the Iranian "Supreme" Leader? Maybe all we needed to do with Saddam was to invite him for coffee and donuts at the White House to seduce him into change his genocidal ways? ...

Iran Vows To Make Example of Arrestees

I'm putting aside my distrust of NBC's bias to shared this video. Check out Richard Engel's report on Iran, from last night's NBC Nightly News:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Also, from the Washingotn Post, "Iran Vows To Make Example of Arrestees":

The Iranian government stepped up pressure Tuesday on opponents challenging the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, setting up a special court to try detained protesters, carrying out new arrests and launching a campaign to publicly vilify those calling for a new vote.

Authorities also formally rejected the opposition's demands to annul the disputed June 12 presidential election on grounds of massive fraud and set a deadline of mid-August for Ahmadinejad's inauguration and the confirmation of his new cabinet.

But in an apparent effort to assuage the opposition, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, agreed to give a powerful supervisory body an additional five days to review the complaints of fraud.

President Obama's remarks Tuesday on the tumult seemed to strike a chord with at least some opposition supporters in Iran.

In an affluent North Tehran neighborhood, where people watched Obama's White House news conference on a big-screen satellite television, one woman commented: "He is following the right line. He should not give the regime an excuse to blame the U.S. for the protests."

Reporters "should grill him on human rights," a man said of Obama, while trying to work around censored Web sites on his computer.

On a day of relative calm after security forces broke up protests Monday, the government vowed to make an example of detained "rioters" and teach them a lesson. Hundreds of Iranians have been arrested in the past 10 days since the Interior Ministry declared that Ahmadinejad outpolled his nearest rival, former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, by nearly 2 to 1. Mousavi has vowed to continue protesting despite a government ban on demonstrations and a public warning from Khamenei.

Truckloads of police in riot gear deployed at Tehran's main squares Tuesday to prevent a recurrence of the protests, and there were no signs of significant opposition gatherings.

A senior official of Iran's judiciary, which is controlled by the ruling Shiite Muslim clerics, said Tuesday that a special court would try detained protesters, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

"Those arrested in recent events will be dealt with in a way that will teach them a lesson," the official, Ibrahim Raisi, was quoted as saying. "The rioters should be dealt with in an exemplary way, and the judiciary will do that." Raisi did not elaborate.