Iran says it foiled plot involving tomb of Cyrus the Great

Iranian authorities put up fences around Persian king’s burial site, which last year saw anti-government protests

By AP 29 October 2017, 12:43 pm

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In this file photo from Oct. 12, 1971, honor guards line up during ceremonies to mark the 2,500 anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire at the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, at Pasargad, Iran. (AP Photo, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran said it has foiled an online plot led by foreigners to spark dissent involving the tomb of Cyrus the Great on the day that many mark the birth of the Persian king by gathering at his grave.

The Iranian judiciary’s news agency Mizan reported Sunday that the Intelligence Ministry disrupted plans for an “illegal gathering” in Pasargad, some 800 kilometers (500 miles) south of Tehran.

Roads to the area have been shut down over what authorities earlier described as an ongoing construction project. Online video purported to show fences earlier put up around the tomb. Iran’s paramilitary Basij force was to hold a drill in the area.

Demonstrations at the site last year were claimed by a variety of anti-government forces abroad as a sign of unrest in Iran.

The US-backed shah actively promoted Iran’s ancient heritage and held a massive royal spectacle in 1971 to mark the 2,500-year anniversary of Cyrus’ founding of the Persian Empire. Critics later pointed to the lavish celebrations as an example of Western decadence.