Amid allegations of having links to foreign elements, ex-prime minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi says opposition to June's disputed presidential election is a purely domestic matter aimed at restoring "the nation's rights", Press TV reported.
"In spite of allegations, the justice-seeking and sacred movement has no links whatsoever to foreign elements and is completely domestic," Mousavi said in remarks carried by the Ghalamnews website.
"Our nation is fully aware of the need to maintain our sovereignty," he added. "The massive movement around the globe launched by Iranians living outside the country also underlined that our nation is aware of this need."
His remarks came as Iran on Saturday began a trial for more than 100 opposition figures and protesters who challenged the outcome of the 10th presidential election held in June.
According to the indictment read against the accused, the opposition is responsible for post-vote riots, threats against national security and conspiracies against the ruling establishment.
However, Mousavi, who has emerged as the leader of the opposition, asserted that the movement is "peaceful".
"We seek freedom, justice and human greatness," he said.
Mousavi, who suffered a crushing defeat against the incumbent president, demands the vote be annulled and a re-run be held.
Mousavi speaks out after Iran post-vote trial
