Iran puts 5 people on trial over anti-government rallies that sparked worst violence in months

5 tried in Iran over December opposition rallies

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran put five people on trial Monday over their alleged roles in anti-government protests in December that sparked the worst street violence in months, state television reported. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty.

The five, who were not identified, have been accused of cooperating with the People’s Mujahedeen, an armed opposition group, the report said. The broadcast showed the defendants in a courtroom but their faces were not visible.

At least eight people died in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters across Iran late last month, including a nephew of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi. It was the worst bloodshed since the height of the unrest immediately after the disputed June re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

A prosecutor read out a lengthy indictment against the five, accusing them of a serious crime against Islam and the state known as moharebeh, which is punishable by death. The word is Farsi for defying God.

The unrest in Iran broke out after Mousavi claimed he was robbed of the presidency through massive fraud in June’s vote. The situation turned bloody after security forces led by the elite Revolutionary Guard violently suppressed massive peaceful protests by beating and killing demonstrators.

Much of the opposition movement, outraged by the crackdown and allegations that detainees were tortured, has also dared to confront Iran’s Islamic leaders.

The opposition says more than 80 protesters have been killed since June, while the government puts the number of confirmed dead at less than 40.

While security forces suppressed dissent in the streets, more than 100 opposition figures were brought before judges starting in August in what critics have said was a show trial with coerced confessions. Prosecutors accuse them of seeking to topple the country’s ruling Islamic system.

The court has so far sentenced five people to death and handed down more than 80 prison sentences ranging from six months to 15 years.