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Iranian cleric 'ready' for prison
Abdullah Nouri (left) during his trial |
The former Iranian government minister, Abdullah Nouri, who was found guilty of political and religious offences earlier this month, has said a duty to God and the country led him to challenge the Islamic establishment and he is indifferent to his likely jail sentence.
In an interview with the Reuter news agency, he said: "I do not believe I was sacrificed. I am not unhappy about what I said."
 I am completely ready to go to prison  |
| Abdullah Nouri |
"It might take them (the establishment) a long time to learn this lesson. It might take them a short time," he said.
"What is evident is that without a doubt this defence and these words will have an effect, both on society and the state."
Election motive
His supporters say he is the victim of a campaign in the run up to parliamentary elections next year. Mr Nouri was convicted on 15 counts of religious and political dissent after a trial lasting six days. He has yet to be sentenced.
"I am completely ready to go to prison," he said.
"It might be a blessing for my family, they will have me out of the way.
"I have made my decision and done my duty, and I don't care about the decision of the unlawful and illegal clerical court."
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The charge sheet |
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publishing anti-religious material |
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insulting the late Ayatollah Khomeini |
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disturbing public opinion |
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insulting officials |
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advocating links with the US |
Throughout the trial, Mr Nouri refused to recognise the competence of the special clerical court, which operates outside the judicial system and is viewed by many observers as hardline and conservative.
Correspondents say the trial has served to enhance Mr Nouri's already considerable popularity.
Mr Nouri, who was impeached as interior minister by hardliners in parliament last year, was the most successful candidate in the Islamic republic's first ever municipal elections almost nine months ago.
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See also: |
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11 Nov 99 | Middle East |
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Iranian cleric found guilty |
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01 Oct 99 | Middle East |
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Khamenei moves to heal leadership rift |
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05 Sep 99 | Middle East |
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Iranian judges ban reformist paper |
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25 Jul 99 | Middle East |
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Iranian editors ordered to court |
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16 Jul 99 | Middle East |
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Analysis: Iran's divided society |
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30 Oct 99 | Middle East |
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Iranian reformist on trial |
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Iranian Presidency |
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Irna news agency |
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Iran Newswatch |
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BBC News Online's Special Report on July's student protest crisis |
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