Khatami Supports Peaceful Protest

Another shocking turnaround. Make no mistake about it, kids. The ayatollahs are terrified. They know their rule is threatened. We need more brave voices to speak out and give legitimacy to the people.

I was determined to take part in today's peaceful demonstration and speak to you and express my practical protest to the unkindness done to the people and the revolution," Khatami said in a faxed statement.

Despite the ban on a rally "you and we will nevertheless continue our movement in this course and would expect that the clear demands of Mr Mousavi, which is the demand of all of us, will be heeded," he said.

Mousavi has appealed the Iran's watchdog Guardian Council to annul the result.

Khatami, who served as president from 1997-2005, remains popular in Iran and publicly backed Mousavi's election bid. Mousavi was soundly defeated by hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Friday's election, but has rejected the result as a "dangerous charade"."

What took place in the course of the recent presidential elections produced a blemish in the public trust, and led to ... natural and emotional reactions," Khatami said.