In a strong and deliberate warning to the opposition parties in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning, instructing all the opposition leaders not to disturb public peace. The statement is believed to have come in the wake of a referendum called for by the opposition parties, who have been protesting against the botched Presidential election in Iran.

In a statement, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his anger and concerns over the post-election violence that had shook Iran for the past few weeks. He warned the Iran’s high level politicians to abstain themselves from violence and should be careful while taking sides on the issue. According to his statement,

“Anybody who drives the society toward insecurity and disorder is a hated person in the view of the Iranian nation, whoever he is.”

According to sources, the Ayatollah did not take any specific names during his speech that was broadcasted on the state radio service. However, many believe that these statements were directed towards Mir Hossein Mousavi, a reformist Presidential candidate, who has claimed his victory in the elections, ever since the results were declared. Another high level official, who is also thought to be the target of this speech is Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a high profile cleric who, openly expressed his outrage on the corrupted Presidential election results.

The post election protests were violently crushed by Iranian security forces, killing, injuring and detaining numerous protestors. However, even with continuous demands from the Supreme Leader and other clerics, the opposition groups are still not ready to give in to the government’s demands and are finding more and more support amongst the population of Iran.

According to Iran’s former President, Mohammad Khatami,

“The durability of order and continuation of the country’s progress hinge on restoring public trust. I openly say now that the solution to get out of the current crisis is holding a referendum.”

Via AP.