Y esterday, the Iranian government executed five Kurdish Iranians timed to intimidate and frighten people away from anticipated anti-government rallies on the anniversary of the disputed June 12, 2009 presidential election that gave Mahmoud Ahmadinejad another term in office.
The political situation in Iran–while on the surface appearing to be relatively stable after a year of instability, political intrigue, anti-government protests, and brutal crackdowns–is building tension. Since the February 11th government sponsored rally marking the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Republic, when the regime prepared and deployed an unparalleled security presence in the streets of Tehran and various other major cities, it has been more difficult for the supporters of the Green Movement to continue street protests. The peopled defied the regime on Chahar Shanbeh Souri (Persian New Year) by holding celebrations in the streets against the direct order of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. And the most recent day of protest was on May 1, in support of students and labor workers. But the level of the protests has not appeared to match those that occurred immediately following the election last year.
Today, a day following the execution of five Kurdish Iranians, protests occurred in Shahid Beheshti University against an appearance by Ahmadinejad, in addition to protests at Elm-o-Sanat University.
Shahid Beheshti University:
Clashes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqqsSVWVa1s&feature=player_embedded
Elm-o-Sanat University:
