Pro-Government Protesters Threaten Mousavi

Thousands of pro-government Iranians coalesced today at rallies organized by the regime in Tehran and elsewhere, chanting “Death to America” and calling for the head of Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Meanwhile, the opposition leader laid his nephew to rest, killed over the weekend as anti-government protesters clashed with security forces. Today’s rallies were broadcast live on state television, the Los Angeles Times reports.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad weighed in as well today, accusing “Mr. Obama and some European leaders” of meddling in Iranian affairs. “Do not think that by creating scenes and kicking up ballyhoos they can disturb the united ranks,” he cautioned. Government agencies, industries, and even public schools encouraged or even ordered employees and charges to attend today’s rallies; shuttle buses were provided, and subway fare was free. (More Mir-Hossein Mousavi stories.)