Funeral procession of Iranian supreme leader expected to draw large crowds
Organisers say massive crowds are expected on Monday for the funeral procession of late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, as authorities seek to avoid the chaos that marked his predecessor's funeral.
After lying in state for two days at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex, Khamenei's body will be carried through the city for 10 to 12 hours beginning at 6:00 am local time, according to officials.
Thousands had gathered at the Grand Mosalla on Sunday to pay respects to Khamenei and four family members, all killed on February 28 in Israeli airstrikes based on US intelligence.
Authorities are mindful of the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Khomeini, where mourners stormed his vehicle, tearing his burial shroud and causing his body to fall to the ground. A helicopter was eventually used to transport Khomeini for burial.
The level of public access during Monday's procession remains unclear, but security measures have been heightened to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
