Cleric calls for execution of some Iranian protesters

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By Karin Laub ASSOCIATED PRESS

CAIRO | A senior Iranian cleric demanded in a nationally broadcast sermon Friday that leaders of election protests be punished harshly, with some "worthy of execution." The country's increasingly isolated opposition leader effectively ended his role in the demonstrations, saying he will seek permits for future rallies.

Iran's ruling clergy has widened its crackdown on the opposition since the bitterly disputed June 12 presidential election, and scattered protests have replaced the initial mass gatherings.

The official Web site of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, his main tool of communicating with his supporters, was hacked Friday, leaving it blank, an aide said.

Mr. Mousavi has said victory was stolen from him through fraud, challenging the proclamation of hard-line incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the winner.

Mr. Mousavi has sent mixed signals to his supporters in recent days, asking them not to break the law while pledging not to drop his challenge of the election.

Hundreds have been detained since the vote, including journalists, academics and university students, and a special court has been set up to put them on trial.

At least 17 people have been killed in the protests, in addition to eight members of the pro-government Basij militia, the government has said.

President Obama, joined at the White House by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hailed the demonstrators in Iran and condemned the violence against them.

"Their bravery in the face of brutality is a testament to their enduring pursuit of justice," Mr. Obama said. "The violence perpetrated against them is outrageous. In spite of the government's efforts to keep the world from bearing witness to that violence, we see it and we condemn it."

Mr. Obama scoffed at accusations Thursday of U.S. meddling in Iran by Mr. Ahmadinejad, who called for "repentance" by the U.S. leader. Mr. Obama also said Mr. Mousavi has "shown to have captured the imagination or the spirit of forces within Iran who are interested in opening up."