Britain condemns crackdown

Foreign Secretary David Miliband yesterday hailed the "great courage" of Iranian pro-opposition supporters and said the security forces' crackdown on them was "disturbing".

Mr Miliband said the deaths of at least eight people in fierce clashes in Tehran had taken place during the Shiite sacred day of Ashura, "a time of religious commemoration and reflection". He added: "It is therefore particularly disturbing to hear accounts of the lack of restraint by the security forces."

Mr Miliband said the deaths were "yet another reminder of how the Iranian regime deals with protest".

"Ordinary Iranian citizens are determined to exercise their right to have their voices heard. They are showing great courage. I call on the Iranian government to respect the of its own citizens - rights which has promised to respect."