Tehran , Iran ( CNN ) -- Mir Hossein Moussavi , the Iranian opposition leader and symbol of anti-government fervor , lashed out against Iranian authorities on Tuesday , saying remnants of the `` tyranny '' and `` dictatorship '' that prevailed under the toppled Shah of Iran 's regime persist today . `` In the early years of the Islamic Revolution , most people were convinced that the structure of the revolution would destroy the past political situation of tyranny and dictatorship , and I was one of them who believed that , '' said Moussavi , a former prime minister . But now , he said , he no longer believes that . `` The current political situation in Iran indicates the presence of the remaining roots of tyranny and dictatorship of the Shah , '' whose regime was overthrown in 1979 and replaced by an Islamic republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini . `` I do n't believe that the revolution achieved its goals , '' said Moussavi , speaking out forcefully as the tensions over Iranian politics continue . The regime is marking the anniversary of the shah 's overthrow with a series of events that began this week and culminate on February 11 . Moussavi and Mehdi Karrubi , another Iranian opposition leader , have urged supporters to demonstrate . Those celebrations coincide with Iranian trials and executions of street protesters who demonstrate against the June 12 presidential election victory of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad . In the final results Ahmadinejad was declared the winner over Moussavi , a result seen by many Iranians as questionable or rigged . The initial protests broke out last summer and have persisted . In late December , at least seven people were killed and hundreds arrested , witnesses said , as they took to the streets on Ashura , a Muslim holy day which occurred on December 27 . Moussavi 's nephew was among those killed during those protests . The Iranian government has denied that its security forces killed anyone and has blamed reformists for the violence . Police have arrested 4,000 people in the post-election crackdown . Moussavi , who made his Web site comments in a question and answer format , said an Iranian government that reflects `` dictatorship in the name of religion is the worst kind '' and he added he has lost hope `` that the revolution had removed all those structures which could lead to totalitarianism and dictatorship . '' `` The most evident manifestation of a continued tyrannical attitude is the abuse of parliament and judiciary . We have completely lost hope in the judiciary , '' he said . `` Stifling the media , filling the prisons and brutally killing people who peacefully demand their rights in the streets indicate the roots of tyranny and dictatorship remain from the monarchist era . '' The semi-official Fars news agency reported Tuesday that Iran will soon execute nine more people in connection with the country 's post-election riots . The nine are among 11 who were sentenced to death by Tehran 's Revolutionary Court last month . Iran vows to execute protesters . Two were hanged last week , and a senior judiciary official was quoted as saying `` the two people who were executed as well as the other nine who will soon be executed had certainly been arrested during the recent riots . `` Each had belonged to an anti-revolutionary group , had aspired to sow dissent and to uproot the regime , '' the official said . Moussavi also praised the grass-roots Green opposition movement . But he said while protesters should vent their opinions , they should follow law and not overstep legal bounds . Any law-breaking would hurt the reform movement , he said . `` The ultimate goal is to move toward an independent , free and united Iran . Women and men of all cultures , classes and ideas should have opportunities , '' he said . `` The Green movement stands for human dignity , open ideas , diversity and freedom of expression . '' Moussavi has n't been arrested since the protests began , but he is facing the wrath of an establishment targeting reformers like him . At the same time the regime is risking even further civil unrest if it takes him into custody . Recently , Iran 's parliament asked authorities to arrest `` the main instigators and directors '' of violent anti-government protests , the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported Wednesday , the same day massive pro-government rallies were held in Tehran and other cities . Legislator Hassan Noroozi named three people he said `` must be arrested '' -- Moussavi , Karrubi , and Fa'ezeh Hashemi , daughter of the former reformist president , Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani . `` They must not remain on the sidelines and be safe , '' Noroozi said . `` Those who issue statements and invite people to create chaos in the streets and attack one another must be dealt with according to Islamic laws . '' Pro-government crowds demonstrating in Tehran have chanted `` Death to America , '' `` Death to Israel , '' and `` Death to Moussavi . '' Noting the pressure and threats in the highly-charged political environment , Moussavi has said on his Facebook page that he is ready for `` martyrdom . '' CNN 's Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this report .
Iran marking the anniversary of the Shah 's overthrow with a series of protests . However , fellow opposition leader have urged supporters to leave . saying : " that reflects ` ` dictatorship in the name of religion is the worst kind '' and asked police to arrest ` ` main instigators and directors '' of protests .