Opposition leader slams Iranian judiciary

Iranian former president, Mohammad Khatami criticized the actions of the government and the judiciary and demanded the release of all political prisoners.

The opposition leader who was talking in a meeting with members of the Islamic associations of Tehran universities maintained that the government "does not have the right to defy the constitution" and declare its opponents "adversaries of the regime."

He addressed the judiciary saying: "How is it that baseless accusations against some people are pursued fiercely by the judiciary whilst deviant groups are free to insult and slander any Shiite leader they might dislike?"

Khatami went on to say that they had hoped that at the eve of the New Year, political prisoners would be released and political groups and organizations would be restored back to their activities.

He once more emphasized that the establishment can resolve many of the current problems by releasing the prisoners and upholding the liberties that are the people's legal right.

In the course of a fierce crackdown on Iranian reformists, the government has arrested numerous political activists and banned the activities of scores of social and political organizations.

The opposition accuses Ahmadinejad government and the judiciary of making baseless accusation against political and civil activists charging them with unfounded charges such as "activities against national security, propaganda against the regime" and the heavy charge of "enmity against God" which could carry the death penalty in the Islamic Republic.

Hardliners, on the other hand, accuse the judiciary of being too lenient with protesters.

Khatami emphasized that the reform movement demands a return to the totality of the constitution and the acceptance of its provisions.