Prominent Iranian reformist cleric, Ayatollah Hoseinali Montazeri criticized the role of Basij militia in the violent suppression of the post-election protesters and maintained the Basij was not established to serve “in the path of the Satan.”
In the post election events, Basij militia played an instrumental role in confronting protesters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s alleged fraudulent victory. Some reports tell of Basij forces firing into crowds and causing the death of several peaceful demonstrators.
The authorities have denied Basij role in shootings. They claim infiltrators in Basij uniforms had carried out the attacks.
Ayatollah Montazeri commented on harsh beatings carried out by Basij forces saying: “Some have engaged in beating people just to secure praises from their superiors.”