The attack happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning after days of harassment of staff and journalists by some pro-government supporters.

This has drawn criticism from both pro-government and pro-opposition supporters.

Thousands of pro-government supporters turned up in Tehran for several state sponsored rallies on 16 February.

On 18 February, thousands of pro-government supporters called for the execution of opposition leaders after Friday prayers.

In Tehran, Iranian state-owned media reported that tens of thousands of pro-government supporters rallied.

The credibility of P.Balasubramaniam as a witness is questioned by not only the pro-government supporters but also from the opposition.

When a crowd of pro-government supporters chanted back: "I will give my life for the supreme leader," they were booed by mourners, a witness said.

Mr. Starcevic died on Tuesday night after being beaten hours earlier by pro-Government supporters.

Since 2011, there has been a civil war between pro-government supporters and rebels who oppose the government.

This is not the first time journalists have been attacked by pro-government supporters.