Iran approves release of 2009 protest leaders Mousavi and Karroubi, family member says
Mir Hossein Mousavi and KMehdi Karroubi were reformist candidates in the controversial election of 2009, which was won by hardliner Mahmoud Ahmedinejad
Iran’s top security body has approved the release of opposition figures Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, under house arrest for seven years for leading mass protests in 2009, a family member told local media.
“I have heard that the decision to lift the house arrest was approved by the Supreme National Security Council,” said Hossein Karroubi, son of the jailed reformist, according to the Kalameh news website which is close to the family.
“This decision will be presented to the (supreme) leader so that this case can be concluded,” he said, adding that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have 10 days to veto the decision.
There was no official confirmation of the decision, but the reports come at a time when Iran’s leaders are keen to unite conservative and reformist factions to face down increasing pressure from the United States and a worsening economic crisis.
Mousavi, 76, and Karroubi, 80, were reformist candidates in the controversial election of 2009, which was won by hardliner Mahmoud Ahmedinejad.
