The trials began on Saturday of prominent moderates arrested shortly after Iran's disputed June presidential election and charged with fomenting unrest, Iranian media reported.

"The trial of some of those accused of being involved in post-election unrest started this morning," Fars news agency reported.

Those on trial included prominent reformers such as former vice president Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former deputy foreign minister Mohsen Aminzadeh, former government spokesman Abdollah Ramazanzadeh, former senior lawmaker Mohsen Mirdamadi and former Industry Minister Behzad Nabavi, Fars reported. – Reuters