Iranian Opposition Leaders Submit Formal Request For June 12 Rally

Mehdi Karrubi (left) and Mir Hossein Musavi

An Iranian reformist website, "Sahamnews," has said opposition leaders Mir Hossein Musavi and Mehdi Karrubi have submitted a formal request to hold a rally marking the anniversary of the country's disputed June 12 presidential election.

The election, which the opposition says was marred by widespread fraud, ushered incumbent Mahmud Ahmadinejad into a second term and sparked large-scale demonstrations throughout the country.

At least 80 people have died and hundreds have been arrested in a brutal government crackdown on the opposition, who have organized rolling public protests inside the country since the election.

Musavi and Karrubi, who were also running for president in the 2009 election, are calling on Iranians to rise up in protest on the anniversary of the vote.

compiled from agency reports