Police disperses opposition supporters in Tehran university

Police fired tear gas at thousands of opposition supporters who were chanting slogans in support of defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Chanting also broke out among some of the tens of thousands of people inside.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in streets near the university - the first public opposition demonstration for more than a week, BBC reported.

Former Iranian President Ali Akbar Rafsanjani called for the release of people jailed after protesting at the result of the recent election.

In his first Friday sermon since the vote, he also said large numbers of Iranians still doubted its result.

Outside, police fired tear gas at thousands of opposition supporters who were chanting slogans in support of defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Chanting also broke out among some of the tens of thousands of people inside.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in streets near the university - the first public opposition demonstration for more than a week.

Many were wearing green bands on their heads or wrists to indicate support for Mr Mousavi, and some could be heard chanting "death to the dictator" and "Allahu Akbar" [God is great].
    
"Police fired teargas and beat supporters of Mousavi in Keshavarz Boulevard," said one witness quoted by Reuters.

Witnesses said a number of people were arrested, including a prominent women's rights activist, Shadi Sadr.

Friday's rally followed warnings from a minister against turning the occasion into a "stage for undesirable scenes".

Mr Mousavi, who attended the Friday prayers at which Mr Rafsanjani spoke, has demanded a re-run of the vote and described the new government as illegitimate.

Many were wearing green bands on their heads or wrists to indicate support for Mr Mousavi, and some could be heard chanting "death to the dictator" and "Allahu Akbar" [God is great].