An Iranian member of parliament says operatives of the exiled terrorist group Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) and Marxists are responsible for the recent disturbances in Tehran, Press TV reports.
"Those who were on the streets on Ashura to foment unrest and riots were typical enemies of the country, including MKO members, Marxists, and those who historically feel hostile toward the Islamic Revolution and the ruling system," MP Kazem Jalali, who is the rapporteur of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told the Fars news agency on Sunday.
Anti-government protesters staged rallies in Tehran on December 27, taking advantage of the Ashura ceremonies, which commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH). Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who vandalized public property and set trash cans aflame, provoking clashes with security forces.
Seven people died during the unrest. The deputy police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, said after the incidents that the police force had not used violence against protesters and rejected accusations that they were responsible for the deaths.
In response to the Ashura riots, millions of Iranians took to the streets on December 30, 2009, demanding that the rioters be brought to justice.
Iranian officials have said that the nation knows that the anti-government riots were incited by foreigners.