Journalist Accuses Official in Killings

In a daring allegation, Iran’s leading investigative journalist accused former Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian of ordering the killing of political dissidents two years ago. Akbar Ganji, appearing before the Revolutionary Court in Tehran to answer charges of endangering state security, made the allegation in a courtroom packed with journalists and spectators. Ganji also openly challenged Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying, “I have the right not to agree with the leader. Is this a crime?” Fallahian was not available for comment, but in February he called the case a press invention and said the killings occurred long after he had left office.