Iran state media blames BBC for Neda's death

The Iranian government is trying its best to prevent the death of Neda from galvanising the Iranian protestors. The ruling regime is even reported to have forced the Soltani family to bury Neda's body quickly and silently fearing that her funeral could become a rallying point for further protests.

Neda Soltani was shot and killed on Saturday on her way to an anti-government protest. Witnesses say she was shot by a government-supporting Basij militiaman. Her death was caught on video and the footage has now been viewed by millions. To Iranian protesters she is increasingly being seen as a martyr figure.

However the Javan newspaper has made the claim that she was killed by "thugs" hired by BBC correspondent Jon Leyne, as he wanted to make a documentary film. Mr Leyne was recently expelled from Iran for his reporting on the protests.

Another newspaper, Jomhouri Islami, claims that the sniper was not a Basij, but an MKO sniper. The MKO is a designated terrorist group that opposes the Islamic regime.