In the Iranian capital Tehran, hundreds of people have taken to the streets to protest against the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Dozens of protesters were arrested. Eyewitnesses say some of them were beaten by the riot police.

On the same day, the Iranian parliament allied itself with the clerics who have called on President Ahmadinejad to dismiss his recently appointed vice president, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie. Even the highest cleric in the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, believes the vice president should resign.

Many conservative clerics are objecting to Mr Mashaie for a comment he made in his previous position as Minister of Tourism. He announced that Iran is a friend of everyone, even Israel. It was a remark that failed to find favour in conservative circles.

Mr Mashaie was appointed to the vice presidency last week by Mr Ahmadinejad, to whom he is related by marriage.

Photo of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by Daniella Zalcman (flickr)