Embattled President Mohammad Khatami broke his silence...

Embattled President Mohammad Khatami broke his silence over the sentencing to death for blasphemy of Hashem Aghajari, a prominent academic and close ally. "This was an improper verdict and I personally do not agree with such confrontations at all," he told reporters after a cabinet session. "Given that this ruling must not have been issued at all, we hope this matter will be settled in a favourable manner so that no problems are created for the country," he said.