Iran's Musavi To Attend Friday Prayers

Mir Hossein Musavi

TEHRAN (Reuters) -- Iran's opposition leader Mir Hossein Musavi will attend Friday prayers this week in his first official public appearance since last month's disputed presidential election, a statement on his website said.

Musavi's statement, posted late on July 15, confirmed a media report earlier this week that he would attend the prayers at Tehran University to be led by former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a rival of reelected President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

Musavi, Ahmadinejad's main challenger in the June 12 presidential election, says the vote was rigged in the hard-line incumbent's favor. The authorities reject charges of vote fraud.

"Since I regard as obligatory responding to the invitation of the sympathisers and supporters in the path of safeguarding legitimate rights of a free and honorable life, I will maintain a presence alongside you on Friday," Musavi said.

The Battle For Iran's Future

Three-Part Series
The Battle For Iran's Future
With much more than a disputed presidency at stake for Iranians, RFE/RL's Charles Recknagel and Mazyar Mokfi explore the power plays that could reshape Iran's political establishment.Click here for news, blogs, and analysis of the presidential election and aftermath.

Iran Election Special

Iran Election Special
RFE/RL's Full Coverage
Following the disputed reelection of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, supporters of Mir Hossein Musavi have taken to the streets to protest. Click here for news, blogs, and analysis of the presidential election and aftermath.

Iran Election Diary

Iran Election Diary
Disputed Presidential Vote
There have been protests and clashes with police on the streets of Tehran following the disputed reelection of Mahmud Ahmadinejad. RFE/RL collects videos, photos, and messages on social-networking sites coming out of Iran to attempt to get a picture of what is happening inside the country. Click here