Calls grow for Rouhani trial as hardliners intensify campaign against Iranian reformists

Calls for the prosecution of former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani have intensified, coinciding with a growing hardline campaign against Iranian reformists over their positions on the conflict with the United States.

Hundreds gathered outside Rouhani’s home, chanting slogans against him, as well as against former Iranian president Hassan Khatami and former Iranian president Javad Zarif, demanding that Rouhani be put on trial.

The campaign against Rouhani has escalated following his calls to reconsider the continuation of the conflict and relations with the United States. Rouhani urged that the public’s opinion should be sought on whether to continue the conflict, stressing the need to respect the will of the people if they choose to end it.

Figures and media outlets aligned with the hardline faction have launched a broad attack on Rouhani after his recent statements, while an online campaign demanding his prosecution has gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures in a short period.