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IRAN: Video of dissident cleric’s funeral ceremony

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Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri died late Saturday at the age of 87 after three decades in the storm’s eye of Iranian political life, first as a supporter of the Islamic revolution and later as an outspoken defender of the opposition.

His funeral today quickly became a rallying point for renewed demonstrations by anti-government protesters. Videos posted on YouTube show thousands of people marching through the streets of Montazeri’s last place of residence.

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Montazeri’s funeral comes just days before Ashura, an important commemoration for Shiite Muslims in honor of the 7th century martyr Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Authorities fear opposition protesters, perhaps emboldened by Ashura’s message of sacrifice, will hijack the event and turn it against the government.

-- Meris Lutz in Beirut

Videos: Thousands of people descended on Qom, Iran, to honor a popular dissident cleric and chant anti-government slogans. Credit: YouTube

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