Iran's reformist ex-president Khatami banned from public ceremonies

Mohammad Khatami, who served as president from 1997 to 2005, is considered to be the spiritual leader of Iran's reformists, and remains influential among youth despite being under a media ban

Tehrani youth , attending an election rally headed by ex-President Mohammad Khatami's who gave a speech in the 12,000 occupancy Azadi Stadium, supporting Mir-Hossein Moussavi in his presidential campaign. Over 20.000 people attended the event where supporters of Mousavi waved with green flags and balloons. The Presidential candidate's campaign team uses the color green, which stands for Islam and refers to Mousavi's title of ' seyed', desendent of the prohpet.

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami, seen here (centre) in May 2009 after giving a speech at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, is considered to be the spiritual leader of Iran's reformists. Newsha Tavakolian

Associated Press

Oct 07, 2017

Iranian authorities have banned former reformist president Mohammad Khatami from appearing at public ceremonies for three months, the semi-official Ilna news agency reported on Saturday.

Mohammad Anjam, Mr Khatami's lawyer, said a letter attributed to a judicial authority had been delivered to the former president's house saying he was barred from public political, cultural and promotional ceremonies for three months, starting from September 23, Ilna reported.

Mr Khatami is considered to have played a key role in Hassan Rouhani's ascension to the presidency in 2013 and 2017, apparently convincing reformist challenger Mohammad Reza Aref to step aside.

Mr Khatami, who served as president from 1997 to 2005, is considered to be the spiritual leader of Iran's reformists, and remains influential among youth despite being under a media ban.

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