Iranians plan protests

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s opposition is gearing up for a potentially large demonstration against the government today to coincide with the climax of a major Shiite religious commemoration.

The Rah-e Sabz Web site, a mouthpiece of the grass-roots opposition movement, called for nationwide protests around noon in the capital, which on Saturday was the scene of several clashes between anti-government protesters and riot police.

“Today was only a test to show our readiness,” the Web site wrote in a statement that also denounced the government’s use of violence during the present period of mourning for a Shiite saint. “Tomorrow we will come out following the invitations of the social network Green Path Of Hope movement.”