Peaceful Iran election protest held

TEHRAN, June 28 (UPI) -- Thousands of marchers and a bevy of Iranian opposition leaders staged a protest in Tehran Sunday, witnesses told the Los Angeles Times.

The demonstration over the disputed Iranian presidential election was held despite some ominous warnings from the government. Still, little trouble was reported between the marchers and scores of security officers.

The Times reported YouTube videos showed protesters rallying in support of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi at the Ghoba mosque, scene of a deadly bombing 28 years ago that killed 72 Iranian politicians.

Witnesses said presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, as well as the wife and daughter of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, also attended.

Meanwhile, the Tehran government was turning its ire on western diplomats. Eight members of the British Embassy staff were arrested this weekend on charges they were stirring up anti-government dissent. The Islamic Republic News Agency said some of the Britons had been released, but others remained in custody.