The trial has begun in the Iranian capital Tehran of the city's mayor, Gholam Hossein Karbaschi, on charges of corruption.

Security forces were deployed around the court as he arrived.

His arrest in April split conservatives and moderates in the Iranian leadership, and subsequent protests by reformist supporters led to his release eleven days later on the instructions of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But the Conservative-dominated judiciary has decided to pursue the case, in which Mr Karbaschi is alleged to have diverted public funds to support moderates in public and parliamentary elections.

The BBC Middle East correspondent says its decision may result in another sudden rise in tension.

Under the terms of his indictment, Mr Karbaschi is relieved of his duties as mayor for the duration of the trial.