Ashura is over, and what a day it was. People turned out in at least the hundreds of thousands and faced down the regime. The regime started the day by trying to create a virtual martial law, security atmosphere. They occupied the major squares in Tehran and various cities throughout Iran. In what has now become a familiar scene, droves of regime militants (Police, Basijis, and plainclothes agents) rode around on motorcycles weilding clubs, chains and guns.
But this was not enough to prevent the Iranian protesters from unleashing six months worth of frustration and anger (some would argue it is more like thirty years worth of it) on the regime.
People turned out en masse chanting anti-government slogans directly aimed at Khamenei’s and the Islamic Republic. We live-blogged the days events here:
You should check that out. It contains tons of video, pictures and commentary on the days events. Iran News Now is working on a post-Ashura analysis, which we will publish shortly. Stay-tuned.
We are now in the post-Ashura phase. Ashura was definitely a turning point. Nobody except the most delusional supports of the morally bankrupt regime can say otherwise. Iran has changed. How the change will ultimately manifest itself is still unclear.
The regime has not given up and is likely reviewing their options, as are the people of Iran. More protests are already being planned and there have been protests on the 28th of December, the day after Ashura as well. We are investigating and will provide a report.
In the meantime, it seems the government has decided that it is time to start rounding up public figures, student leaders, and outspoken individuals, or anyone that they perceive to be a threat, however minute.
The Neo-resistance blog has posted a list of individuals that have been rounded up by the regime (source):
Ebrahim Yazdi;
Emad-e’Din Baghi
Morteza Hadji, minister of educaion during Khatami’s reform era.
Leila Tavassoli, daughter of Mohammad Tavassoli
Seyed Hosein Mousvi Tabrizi (Head of the clerical Association of Ghom’s Teachers and Researchers)
Alireza Beheshti Shirazi (Editor in Chief of Mousavi’s online journal Kalameh Sabz)
Ghorban Behzadian Nejad (Mousavi consultant)
Mohamad Bagherian (Mousavi consultant)
Rasouli (deputy of President Khatami’s Baran Foundation)
Forouzandeh (Manager of Mousavi’s office)
Mohammad Sadegh Rabbani (Retired university prof who used to be the general prosecutor 20 years ago), arrested yesterday
Son of Mostafa Moin, the minister of Science and higher education was also arrested yesterday.
Heshmatollah Tabarzadi (Student Activist)
Haleh Sahabi (Women right activist)
Parvin Fahimi (mother of Sohrab E’rabi) and her son (Sohrab’s brother) are missing.
Mohammad Taheri, son of Ayatollah Taheri–Isfahan’s Friday Imam (and a son in law of Khomeini!)
Abulfazl Ghadyani (member of the central council of the Organization Mojahedin of Islamic Revolution–a reformist party)
Mehdi Arabshahi (Student activist)
Abolfazl Mousavian
These people will undoubtedly be subjected to various methods of extreme pressure including torture, both in a futile attempt by the regime to gain more information about the movement and to get them to “confess” to crimes against the nation, as they did in the first wave of arrests that took place in June and July.
The first person listed above, Ebrahim Yazdi, has till now been largely untouchable by the regime since he was one of the “liberal” revolutionaries that accompanied the regime’s founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, to Iran following the departure of the Shah, in 1979.
Most analysts believe that Iran is largely run by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) a group that was founded in the early days of the revolution, that fought in the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, and now believes its time to lead Iran has come. It is unclear to what degree Khamenei has control over the IRGC, but many believe he is now in many ways subservient to them. What is clear is that their is a certain co-dependence between Khamenei and the IRGC, which is why the regime takes it very seriously when Khamenei’s rule is challenged.
This tactic of arresting regime opponents has been demonstrated to be largely ineffective during the past six months. We doubt it will be effective now. Here is a piece I wrote about the green movement in Iran, in which I have attempted to explain how the green movement is structured, and why I think it will prevail in the long run:
This is a live-blog report on clashes occurring in Iran on December 27, during the Shia mourning day of Ashura. As reports come in, they will be placed at the top of this page. To read this in chronological order it must be read from the bottom up.
Be sure to watch the videos. But CAUTION as many are very graphic. It has been the most intense day since the June 12th 2009 rigged election that gave the presidency to Ahmadinejad. The boldest protests seen to-date. Brutal crackdowns have occurred, protesters have been shot and killed, attacked with batons and knives, but they have also stood their ground and fought back. The stakes have been raised in the struggle between the people of Iran and the dictatorial, brutal government of Khamenei.
December 28, 2009: Our live coverage of the events of Ashura has ended. However, more video and pictures are coming in as more people upload them. We will continue to post incoming videos and pictures from Ashura here.
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 29, 2009. 4:52PM Tehran Time]
Video showing a group of protesters taking the initiative in clashes with anti-riot police:
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 29, 2008, 1:47AM Tehran Time]
This is a truly harrowing video. The people filming this show great bravery and despair in their voices at the same time. What you see is a group of regime goons on motorcycles. It’s not clear exactly what’s going on, but based on the words of the people doing the filming, the regime goons have trapped some young innocent people. One of the men filming says, “We have to throw something on their heads!”, then he chants, “Allaho Akbar! Allaho Akbar! Allaho Akbar!”. Then he says, “Those young people shouldn’t have gone out there right now! They shouldn’t have gone out there right now!”. He is obviously very distressed at this point. He and another man and a woman then all repeatedly shout “Let him go! Let him go!”. Then one of them yells at the goons “Bitches! Filth!” followed by “Down with Khamenei!”. This last chant seems to distress the woman with him, who says “Don’t!” out of fear of getting the goons’ attention on them. There is pause as the goons on motorcycles start riding away, and then one of the men filming says in utter despair, “The women and children shouldn’t have gone out there right now!”. Then, sobbing, he says “They should have hid in someone’s house.”
Video showing protesters forcing a trapped regime police officer to remove his uniform:
Video showing protesters destroying a poster of Khamenei. One protester cuts the eyes of Khamenei out of the photo. You can here a woman say, “They’ll bother you!” probably to meaning warning that the act may draw the ire of the regime police. A few months ago such an act would have been unthinkable, and it is still quite taboo:
Unbelievable video of a burning police station at Vali Asr Square taken over by protesters at 12:40pm on that fateful day. Nearing the end of the video people howl in despair over what looks like a man that has been shot to death. A man’s voice can be heard saying, “Khaeli haramzadehan!” meaning “They are such bastards!”, referring to the regime goons. WARNING: This is graphic:
Video showing protesters carrying a uniform of a regime police officer. People say, “Burn it!”. A group of protesters gather around with the intent of burning the uniform when a woman’s says, “Cover your faces!” cognizant of the fact that if regime operatives or intelligence agents see footage of what is going on they may be able to identify the protesters. The camera then moves to a nearby scuffle between a group of protesters and a trapped regime goon:
Video showing a scuffle taking place on what looks like a bridge between protesters and regime police and plainclothes regime agents. A woman’s voice can be heard saying “They are hitting the girls!”.
This video shows a massive crowd marching, singing and chanting “Marg bar TOH!”, meaning “Down with YOU!”, obviously directed at the regime:
This video shows a large group of protesters dispersing after a tear gas canister is shot at them:
Video showing people facing off against, and then charging the regime police:
Video showing protesters gathered in a street resembling a war zone:
Video showing a vast crowd of protesters:
Video showing protesters on the march, banging on barricades and garbage cans. In the distance you can see regime forces. Then people shout at the regime goons, “Be afraid! Be afraid! We are all together!”
Video showing protesters in the street, amidst flames, filming. Chants of “Marg bar Khamenei!” can be heard:
Video showing a burning police van:
Huge crowd under a bridge chanting “Esteghlal, Azadi, Jomhurieh Irani!”, meaning “Independence, Freedom, Iranian Republic!” among other chants:
Video of protesters attacking and tipping a police van over:
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 28, 2008, 1:09PM Tehran Time]
This video shows people setting up a barricade in Tehran on Ashura, yesterday:
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 28, 2009, 12:15PM Tehran Time]
WARNING: EXTREMELY GRAPHIC VIDEO: Video of a man killed by the morally bankrupt regime of Khamenei.
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 28, 2009, 10:50AM Tehran Time]
A picture showing a large crowd of protesters. One protester throws a tear gas canister fired by the regime police back at the police. Click the picture to enlarge it.
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 28, 2009, 10:32AM Tehran Time]
Video surfaces showing the daughter of Hashemi Rafsanjani, Faezeh, among the protesters on Ashura, December 27. Rafsanjani is one of the key players in founding and running of the Islamic Republic since its founding. He is a former president of Iran and heads the Assembly of Experts and Expediency Council. Since the June 12th rigged election he has tried to take a “moderate” position, making several key speeches conveying the message that the government needs legitimacy from the people. He is an opponent of Ahmadinejad, but a proponent of the Islamic Republic system. Here is the video of his daughter with protesters yesterday:
[Posted on Iran News Now on Dec. 28, 2009, 8:23AM Tehran Time]
The following video shows what looks like several anti-riot police trapped by a group of anti-government protesters. People ask, “Why they are you doing this?”, and one woman asks, “Do you think you are the only brave ones?”
—————————
Everything from here on down was posted during Ashura, on December 27.
[1:30AM Tehran Time]
Opposition cleric Mehdi Karroubi has issued a statement (Karroubi’s Statement on Zamaaneh.com in Persian) in which he expressed condolences for today’s martyred protesters and freedom seekers and in which he directly addressed the coup leaders and illegitimate regime of Khamenei. To the coup leaders and instigators of oppression and brutality against the people protesting during the ceremony of Ashura he conveyed the following message. “The sins that you have committed today cannot be forgiven by God. If you don’t have a belief in God, at least be a human.” He is implying that the coup leaders and Khamenei are not true believers, and that they are not behaving as human being would. Karroubi states that even the Shah respected the day of Ashura and he gave orders to allow people to be free to do as they wish.
[1:18AM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed: A report that clashes are occurring now in front of the building for the Voice and Visage of Iran (Sedah va Seema), another broadcasting station.
[12:53AM Tehran Time]
Confirmed: Multiple reports of protesters clashing with special security forces in front of IRIB, one of the regime’s state broadcasting channels.
Unconfirmed: Special regime forces trying to disperse the crowd in front of the IRIB building, but so far they have been unsuccessful.
More reports of casualties coming in from various areas of Tehran and in other cities.
Rumors are circulating that Khamenei has been transported somewhere by helicopter for his safety.
Multiple reports are coming in of martial law being declared in the city of Najafabad, the deceased Grand Ayatollah Montazeri’s hometown.
The situation in Iran is in chaotic and in constant flux. It is not clear what will happen next, but with the killings by regime goons of protesters on the tenth day of the Moharram ceremony of Ashura, the people will likely be even more enraged. It is not clear what will come next, but it has been a monumental day in Iran.
Here is one picture from the set that will likely be one of many iconic pictures from today (click to enlarge):
[10:18PM Tehran Time]
Another shocking video showing people attacking and setting fire to a police van. Not clear from the video if the van was empty:
And yet another video showing people clashing with government forces. At one point you here someone shout “Nazanesh!” or “Don’t hit him!”. Another interesting point is when a man wearing a white mask shows off a baton he is carrying, quite likely taken from a regime police goon. This video was brought to our attention by commenter calling self SeyedKham in the comments section below this article:
[9:48PM Tehran Time]
Shocking footage of protesters attacking a government minivan to free arrested protesters:
[9:37PM Tehran Time]
More stunning pictures from today. Click any picture to enlarge it. I will try to add context after uploading them (source: Madyar):
[9:15PM Tehran Time]
Still seeking confirmation of the video purportedly showing Mousavi’s nephew martyred.
Here is another graphic picture of a protester killed by government forces. God bless his soul (source: Andrew Sullivan’s Daily Dish):
[8:23PM Tehran Time]
BREAKING NEWS: Video (unconfirmed) of Seyyed Ali Mousavi, Mir Hossein Mousavi’s nephew, killed. Seeking confirmation.
[7:13PM Tehran Time]
Two more must see videos from today:
Another must see extended clip from today’s protests. You can clearly see masses of people marching and chanting anti-regime slogans together. Mid-way through, clashes occur and the people are able to beat back the government police goons, even successfully removing their helmets!
This harrowing video shows government police goons attacking people. It is being filmed by someone in a car and you can clearly hear the dialogue between the person filming and a female in the car. Nearing the end of the video you can hear someone showing, “Let’s get out of here, they’re coming!”:
[6:39PM Tehran Time]
We have already seen a day of massive clashes across Iran, with people killed in a brutal crackdown by the regime of the now utterly hated so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, Khamenei. The evidence is clear. Just check out all the pictures and videos below. Read the timeline. The chants of the protesters saying “This is month of blood!” have proven prophetic.
I’m sifting through the flood of reports as they come in of people killed and injured in the various cities.
There are reports that Mousavi’s nephew, Seyyed Ali Mousavi was shot and killed today. There are even unconfirmed reports pouring in of people heading toward Sina Hospital, where it is assumed Ali Mousavi’s body is.
The shocking video of a child killed in todays protests says it all.
There is no way that this regime will be able to hide what happened today from the people of Iran and the world, just as they have not been able to do so during any of the many protests that have taken place since the rigged June 12th elections.
After today, everything will be different. I am predicting that the protest movement will grow as more and more people in Iran awaken to and accept that the regime in power is barbaric. Something has to give, and soon. God bless Iran.
[6:12PM Tehran Time]
My god. Video of a child killed in today’s protests:
[6:03PM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in of continued clashes in Tabriz, where 4 people have been killed, according to Rouydad News. This brings the rough tally of people reported killed at 12 so far (if the hospital reports of 8 deaths are from Tehran only).
Still seeking further information on the Mousavi’s nephew being shot and killed. Will report as soon as I have more information.
[5:56PM Tehran Time]
URGENT BREAKING NEWS: Parleman News is reporting that Mousavi’s nephew has been shot and killed during protests today!
[5:53PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed: A report from hospital sources saying at least 8 people killed in the clashes today. Over 200 injured.
[5:40PM Tehran Time]
Many amazing pictures of todays protests from Madyar. The following are striking:
Police goon shooting tear gas:
Protesters on the march:
Protesters fleeing from tear gas:
[5:17PM Tehran Time]
Reports of continued protests and clashes in Tehran, Esfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, Rasht, Babol, Sari, Arak and Ardebil.
Reports on known fatalities as of now sit at at least five.
[5:05PM Tehran Time]
Video of protesters in Tehran chanting:
“Down with Khamenei!”
“Khamenei is a criminal! His leadership is void!”
“Ya Hossein! Mir Hossein!” (associating Mir Hossein Mosavi with Imam Hossein, martyred during Ashura in the founding years of Islam).
“Yazid will soon topple!” (Yazid is the reviled dictator who killed Imam Hossein. People are associating Khamenei with Yazid).
[4:51PM Tehran Time]
Despite the clear evidence of massive protests occurring in Iran today in which protesters were shot at and killed (see below for multiple amazing videos and pictures of events from today) the Iranian state-run media (IRNA and Fars News) are reporting that protests were small and unsubstantial, and they are denying that anyone was killed.
Quick opininion: The regime has clearly lost all control. These protests and the level of animosity displayed to the regime have been unprecedented in the history of the Islamic Republic (over the past 30 years since the regime was founded). This is a monumental challenge to the regime. It remains to be seen what their response will be. Likely, it will be more of what we have seen since the June 12th rigged elections: more crackdowns, more arrests, more torture, more rape, more murder, more lies and more denial of the situation in Iran. Barring the government unleashing unrestrained force and brutality on the people, it is difficult to see how they may possibly try to stop the momentum of the protesters seeking freedom and human rights. The despotic regime is looking more and more like a doomed one, but that does not mean they won’t continue to kill and fight until their inevitable demise.
[4:41PM Tehran Time]
Video surfaces showing people trampling a street sign with Khamenei’s name on it while some chant “This is a month of blood. Khamenei will be toppled!”, “Down with the dictator!”. One person shouts, “Enough! Enough! Let’s go before they come!”:
Another video proving helicopters are hovering over the crowds. When the helicopter is noticed by the crowd, the protesters flash the “V” sign towards it. Chants of “This is a month of blood! Yazid will be toppled!”. Again, by Yazid people are inferring Khamenei:
[4:27PM Tehran Time]
We reported on helicopters over Tehran earlier. More reports of many helicopters in the skies above Tehran, several spotted near Jamaran Mosque, where former two-term president Khatami’s speech was interrupted via an attack on the mosque by plainclothed pro-government vigilantes and Basijis (see our live-blog from yesterday, on the eve of Ashura, December 26 for video of the attack.
[4:22PM Tehran Time]
Protest at Tehran College bridge:
[4:12PM Tehran Time]
More vids:
Truck turned over, protesters yell, “Let’s set it on fire!”:
Police car set on fire:
[4:02PM Tehran TIme]
Extended 4-minute video. Things get intense approximately half-way through when a struggle ensues between people wanting to beat up a captured Basiji, and greens chanting “Leave him alone!”, “Velesh kon! Velesh kon!” meaning “Let him go!”. These chants are proof that although anger runs high against the regime, the peoples movement is largely peaceful and seeks non-violence. Having said that, clearly tempers are at an all time high, especially since for the past 6 months the Basij and government forces have brutally beaten, raped, tortured and killed people.
Frightening, apocalyptic video: tear gas covers the sky — so thick that sky is black:
Another protest video:
[3:15PM Tehran Time]
Video showing security presence and protests at Emam Hossein Square in Tehran:
[3:11PM Tehran Time]
Video showing security forces active near a metro station:
[3:09PM Tehran Time]
Video claiming to show people running away from a tear gas attack:
[3:07PM Tehran Time]
Earlier I reported that Grand Ayatollah Dastgheib was planning to speak in Shiraz at 9:00AM Tehran time, but I had not heard any further news on this. Now, reports are coming in that his home has been surrounded by security forces.
[2:55PM Tehran Time]
Another video showing people beating Basij in the middle of sheer mayhem, as a fire from a burning motorcycle starts to burn the nearby building! Protesters and greens control the street!
[2:37PM Tehran Time]
Unbelievable video showing Basij motorcycles on fire and people chanting, “I will kill, I will kill, those who kill my brother!” Massive clashes. Nearing the end of the video several fights can be seen in what appears to be people beating a plainclothes agent. Also, it looks like a protester or perhaps a plainclothes agent is lying motionless on the ground. Will watch this one more closely to provide further analysis.
[2:23PM Tehran Time]
Video of large crowd at Baharestan Square. Security forces can be seen on the overpass. Distant sounds of what appears to be gunshots can be heard. People are chanting “Mikosham, Mikosham, An keh baradaram kosht” (“I will kill those who kill my brother!”) as they disperse while carrying an injured or possibly killed individual!
[2:19PM Tehran Time]
Another video from Tehran. You can see what looks like a person trying to cut or possibly write something on or take down a poster of Khamenei:
[2:15PM Tehran Time]
Earlier report of people disabling traffic cameras confirmed.
[2:12PM Tehran Time]
Video from Baharestan Square showing a large crowd of protesters chanting anti-government slogans. One, “Marg bar TOH!” means “Down with YOU!” and is directed at Khamenei and his regime:
[2:10PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed report has come in of people smashing traffic cameras in hopes that it will make it difficult for government forces to track protests.
[2:05PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed, but from one of our trusted sources, a picture of one person killed during today’s protests:
More reports are coming in of clashes all over the city of Shiraz.
[1:39PM Tehran Time]
Two new videos from Tehran. People chanting “Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein!” and “Allaho Akbar!”, cars honking.
[1:32PM Tehran Time]
Quick Opinion: The fact that the regime is cracking down on people in the streets during Ashura is a clear indication that the regime has virtually completely shed its religious veneer. Clearly, they are far more concerned with keeping their own death grip on the nation (along with the associated economic benefits of being in control) than on encouraging an Islamic society.
This is a very risky calculation for the regime, because without religious, moral, or political legitimacy, the regime is more and more being seen in Iran as an occupying, alien-force, at least insofar as Iranian cultured and interests are concerned.
No matter what the outcome of today’s protests, it is very difficult to see a way out for the regime that will ever allow them to return to the status quo (as it was before the June election at least). Change is virtually inevitable now. What remains to be seen is how it will manifest, and at what cost. One thing for certain, the widespread nature of the protests (both in segments of the society and in geographic dispersion) indicates that the days of this government are numbered.
[1:21PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed report of 20,000 protesters in Shiraz from Saadi Cinema to Paramount Street. Protesters chanting slogans against Khamenei.
[1:17PM Tehran Time]
Reports of heavy clashes now in front of Polytechnic University student residences.
[1:10PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed: Another person reportedly killed in Vali Asr Street.
[12:54PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed report: One of the people killed was a young girl that was shot in the back. She was purportedly carried away by Basij.
[12:51PM Tehran Time]
First video purported to be from today, from Taleghani Square:
[12:50PM Tehran Time]
Massive clashes between security forces and protesters confirmed in Shiraz.
[12:41PM Tehran Time]
BREAKING NEWS: At least three people killed! Trusted sources, Mehdi Saharkhiz, and IranProxy, confirm that at least three people are confirmed to have been killed near Hafez bridge.
[12:38PM Tehran Time]
Clashes now being reported in Haft-Tir Square. Also reports of heavy clashes in Montazeri’s hometown of Najafabad.
[12:31PM Tehran Time]
Reza Saya of CNN doing a great job reporting on the clashes in Iran. Keep it up and cover more frequently please! He mentioned that witnesses are reporting today’s protests as some of the most intense since the June 12 election aftermath.
[12:24PM Tehran Time]
People are moving towards Enghelab Square where the crowd is getting big.
Reports of several Basij motorcycles set on fire on Hafez bridge.
Mobile service is down in several areas of the city.
[12:19AM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed report of people using trash cans as a sort of war-drum while they chant.
Unconfirmed reports of more cities with protests in Iran, so far in:
Tehran
Shiraz
Ardebil
Esfahan
Mashad
[12:06AM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in of people successful in getting regime forces to retreat in various parts of Tehran.
Helicoptors flying over the city.
Fires and smoke in various areas.
Crowds in various squares chanting loudly against Khamenei and the regime. Tension is rapidly building.
[11:56AM Tehran Time]
Reports of people managing to get past security lines in Vali-Asr, even as security forces attempt to block various major routes throughout the city. It looks like the regime is using a combination of strategic blockages of routes and extreme brutality to quell the protests. This has been tried in multiple past protests following the rigged June 12 presidential elections, becoming less effective over time as protesters have adapted to the technique.
Considering the reports of clashes and bravery as people face the various government forces, and the reports of crowds getting bigger and bigger by the minute, this is far from over.
There are unconfirmed reports of shots being fired. This is not surprising since yesterday shots were fired as well (corroborated by reports by people on the ground and video).
[11:51AM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed reports of clashes now in South Tehran, historically more conservative than the north. Clashes in South Tehran are a strong indication of widespread discontent that cuts across social and economic classes.
[11:47AM Tehran Time]
Approaching noon in Tehran, reports are streaming in now of clashes in all major squares. Unconfirmed reports of clashes occurring in Shiraz and Esfahan.
Ferdowsi Square in Tehran, one person states, “is like a war zone”, covered in tear gas as clashes continue.
[11:34AM Tehran Time]
People are chanting “Risheye zolmo bekan!” meaning “Pull the roots of oppression!”
In Ferdowsi Square a big standoff between protesters and security forces is taking place. The forces are trying to disperse people but protesters are standing their ground. Reports of bravery especially from women chanting “Don’t be afraid! We are all in this together!” and even as they are attacked with batons and pepper spray. Other chants that can be heard include:
“Allaho Akbar!”
“Down With the Dictator!”
“This is the month of blood! Yazid [associating Khamenei with Yazid] will soon topple!”
One eye-witness expresses awe of the protesters courage, especially that of women. Men and women are rallying each other to charge the government forces. Although people retreat a bit when attacked directly, they are not backing down. Many are standing their ground.
[11:25AM Tehran Time]
Vali-Asr Square is seeing big clashes between plain-clothes and police on one side and protesters on the other. Government forces have blocked exits from Vali-Asr to prevent crowds heading towards other squares.
At Ferdowsi Square people are chanting “Down with the Dictator!”
At Imam Hossein Square people are being beaten with batons.
Reports of protests building in other cities, including Shiraz.
[10:43AM Tehran Time]
Multiple unconfirmed reports coming in that people are being beaten to death and Basij brutally cracking down, even as reports come in that crowds are building.
[10:35AM Tehran Time]
BREAKING: Report has come in that security forces are beating people in the crossing of Mazandaran Street and Imam Hossein Square.
[10:31AM Tehran Time]
BREAKING: Unconfirmed reports of Basij and government forces attacking people in the squares. Rumor of possible killings even. Watching developments closely.
[10:27AM Tehran Time]
A report has come in that plain-clothes and militia are “scattered around Imam Hossein and Enghelab (Revolutionary) Squares in minivans.”
[10:04AM Tehran Time]
There are multiple reports of heavy police and government security presence in Tehran. One report, unconfirmed, is that “special brigades” deployed to protect Khamenei’s residence. Reports of heavy security presence at Khamenei’s residence in Tehran surfaced yesterday as well.
[8:51AM Tehran Time]
All of the various government security forces, IRGC, Basij, Police and plain-clothed thugs are present in large numbers at every intersection from Enghelab to Azadi Squares.
[8:32AM Tehran Time]
There are reports that Grand Ayatollah Dastgheib is going speak at 9:00AM in Shiraz. Dastgheib is a moderate cleric.
[6:30AM Tehran Time]
After a harrowing and eventful Tasoua (December 26, see our Eve of Ashura live-blog from yesterday) in which clashes took place between protesters and anti-government forces in multiple cities throughout the country, and in which even former president Khatami’s speech was interrupted by roudy Basiji’s and pro-government forces in Jamaran Mosque, the stage is set for the long anticipated Shira mourning ritual of Ashura.
Ashura is the yearly remembrance of the slaughter of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson (known as Imam Hossein in the Shia faith) by the forces of the then dictator Yazid over a dispute over the succession of the Prophet after his death. Shiites mourn the killing of Imam Hossein every year by pouring into the streets and mosques, and even self-flagellating.
This year’s Ashura proves to be a very potent one in Iran, with anticipation built-up over six months of protests since the rigged Iran election in which Ahmadinejad was declared the winner by the regime, with the blessing of the so-called Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
Protests for Ashura were already planned by the opposition in multiple cities, when last week, the dissendent cleric, Grand Ayatollah Montazeri passed away. Montazeri was positioned by the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, to succeed Khomeini as Supreme Leader, but he had a falling out with Khomeini over the mass execution of dissidents in the late 80s. Khamenei (not the same as Khomeini!) became the Supreme Leader instead. But Khamenei lacked the religious credentials of Montazeri, so in an attempt to silence him, Khamenei had Montazeri placed under house arrest, and severely limited Montazeri’s ability to continue his religious teachings (though he managed to do so anyway). After the rigged elections, Montazeri was very vocal against the excesses of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad, stating that the government of Ahmadinejad was illegitimate.
When Montazeri passed away last week, millions of people took to the streets in mourning, mixing chants of mourning with anti-governmnt slogans. The government was virtually helpless in stopping the processions. Khamenei made the mistake of issuing a half-assed statement of condolence over the passing of Montazeri, in which he said that Montazeri had paid for “failing an important test”, a reference to his moderate views and vocal dissent. This caused tremendous anger in Iran, where most people view Montazeri as a stalwart supporter of the opposition seeking more freedoms for the people, and as a staunch dissident against Khamenei.
The brutal government-sanctioned crackdowns since the elections in June, in which we saw Neda Agha Soltan shot to death by a Basiji, along with thousands savagely attacked by the regime, combined with atrocities such as beatings, rape, torture and murder of protesters was cause enough for people to unleash their angst against the regime during Ashura. Add to that the fact that it is the seventh day after Montazeri’s passing and you have an extremely potent mix. This could be the tipping point.
[Corrections]
9:38AM Tehran Time – corrected Imam Ali to Imam Hossein in description of Ashura.
The letter, signed by eight far-from-insignificant regiments, declares that they are loyal but cannot stand aside if the oppression and violation of the people continues. This oppression is a “betrayal”, and so the Army will defend the security of the people against aggressors to the last drop of its blood.
At this time, I cannot confirm if the letter is legitimate, but Gooya has been a reliable source of information in the past. If the letter is legitimate, it is a huge development in the political situation in Iran since the rigging of the presidential election on June 12th. There have been multiple protests now in opposition to the regime for the past 6 months, all of which have been confronted violently by the Revolutionary Guards (known as “Sepah-e-Pasdaran”) and the Basij militia forces.
Many protestors have been beaten, arrested, tortured, raped and murdered with impunity.
If indeed there are elements in the military that are courageous enough to issue a statement publicly warning the Sepah, and this becomes common knowledge in Iran, this will likely embolden the movement as the stakes will have been raised significantly.
Watching it, I couldn’t believe how raw the feelings and emotions evoked by it were for me. I felt as though the events were happening all over again. I was overcome by a panopoly of emotions: rage, sadness, hatred, fear for the people in the streets fighting for their freedom.
One thing is certain. Anyone who thinks the protest movement has died down, and that somehow the people of Iran have just decided to put their tails between their legs and forget about what happened doesn’t have the slightest understanding of what the Green Movement is.
The movement is an awakening. An awareness that hinges to a large part on a refusal to ever go back to the way things were. Things will never be the same. We will NEVER forget. We will NEVER turn our backs to what happened.
As Arash Hejazi sat in an Oxford coffee bar, members of Iran’s Basij militia in Tehran were demanding his extradition outside the British Embassy.
The previous day the Iranian regime had sent an Oxford college a letter of protest over a scholarship given to honour Neda Soltan, the student killed during a huge demonstration against electoral fraud in Tehran in June. The letter also suggested that Dr Hejazi was responsible for her murder.
For Dr Hejazi, who had tried to save Ms Soltan’s life, that was the final straw. He decided that it was time to speak out. It was time to reveal how the regime has sought to vilify, punish and silence him ever since he told the world, immediately after Ms Soltan’s death, how she had been shot by a government henchman for peacefully protesting against President Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election.
Dr Hejazi is now living in exile in Britain, jobless and fearful, while back in Tehran the regime blackens his name and hounds his friends, family and colleagues. “I told the truth. I just did what I had to do, but there were dire consequences,” he told The Times. In short, a quirk of fate — that he happened to be standing near Ms Soltan the moment that she was shot — has turned his entire life upside down and made him “another victim of tyranny”.
A lot of additional videos are still being posted to social media sites. The following two are particularly troubling: security forces beating women and innocents:
[5:00PM Tehran Time]
What a day it has been. The boldest protests yet since the rigged election took place on June 12. While thousands of people protesting in Tehran and across the country was not unexpected, the level of denunciation of the regime of Khamenei, Ahmadinejad and their goons has been unprecedented. And as far as I can tell at the moment, the protests are not abating in the least. Rather more people appear to be pouring into the streets to lend their voice to the national yearning for freedom, truly representative government, and respect for human rights. They are showing no fear.
The regime simply cannot put a stop to this without massive bloodshed. They can’t wait for it to go away. It won’t. Today’s protests are even more of a victory than the Qods Day protests that took place on September 18, and to top it off, they aren’t even finished yet! They can’t hide the fact that the protests are going on, neither from the people inside Iran, nor from the outside world. Like an ostrich with it’s head in the sand, they have chosen to be blind to the truth of what is happening in Iran. Willful ignorance simply cannot sustain itself over time.
The protests have been going on for over 9 hours now today with no immediate end in site today. But no matter the final outcome for the day, this has been a solid victory for the Green Movement.
Check out this video (source Enduring America) showing Khamenei’s image being trampled. Such an act is unheard of in Iran. It is a strong metaphor for what is happening in the country:
When the end of this regime will finally come is not 100% clear. What is clear is that the end of this regime will come.
I have been liveblogging straight for 9 hours now. I have to take care of some personal matters, but I will be back in a few hours.
Feel free to post updates if you have them in the comments section for this post while I am away.
Long Live Iran!
[4:51PM Tehran Time]
Another video showing people denouncing Khamenei by name:
[4:28PM Tehran Time]
People boldly and openly denouncing Khamenei by name en masse! This is unheard of. This video needs to get out! Please share this with as many people as you can FAR and WIDE! (source Josh Shahryar):
[4:19PM Tehran Time]
Josh Shahryar reports people carrying placards directly denouncing Khamenei! This is generally unheard of in Iran.
[4:09PM Tehran Time]
Video showing protestors interspersed with vigilantes on motorbikes:
[3:57PM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in on protests and clashes all over Tehran and several Iranian cities. People are continuing to pour into the streets after several hours of protests. People are shouting out news to each other from the street to people listening by their windows indoors. This is far from over.
Reports of gunshots being heard throughout the city, but unclear as to whether anyone has actually been shot as yet.
As far as I am concerned, this has been a huge victory for the people of Iran and the Green Movement. This is the second state-sponsored event that has been turned on its head by the people, and used as an opportunity to voice opposition to the tyrannical regime. The genie is completely out of the bottle in Iran after 30 years of suppression by terror. This is obviously just my opinion, but I find it hard to see a path that will allow this regime to stay in power for long. The people will continue to use every opportunity to shove the point home that they no longer consider this government and a system that puts the most zealous Islamists in charge as valid.
[3:41PM Tehran Time]
A video showing a large crowd marching at Valiasr/Zartosht intersection, chanting “Marg Bar Diktator” (Down with Dictator!) (via IranRiggedElect on Twitter):
[3:37PM Tehran Time]
Yet another video of Karoubi from today:
[3:30PM Tehran Time]
Another video of Karoubi walking with the people today. People are shocked and happy to see him, shouting his name (via @madyar on Twitter):
[3:23PM Tehran Time]
Looks like Ann Curry of MSNBC has picked up on the events today. Bravo Ann Curry! Now please report as much of it as you can! Thank you! Quoted from a recent tweet of hers on Twitter:
Reports of bloodshed, tear gas, shouts of “Down with Dictator” in Iran. The #iranelection outrage is not over.
[3:13PM Tehran Time]
Video of riot police getting ready to attack the people (via @madyar on Twitter):
[3:06PM Tehran Time]
Video confirmation of Karoubi amoungst the people today! People are chanting “Karoubieh Ghaheman, beres beh dadeh Iran!” (Karoubi, the Champion, Attend to the Cries of Iran!):
[2:51PM Tehran Time]
People chanting “Obama, Obama, Ya ba Ouna, Ya ba Ma!” (Obama, Obama, either you’re with them or you’re with us!”), meaning you are either with the regime or the people of Iran. It is a message to Barack Obama from the Iranian people, basically telling him not to negotiate with the regime over the heads of the Iranian people:
If you’re seeing this, email this to Obama, contact your local politicians and e-mail them. Contact your news media and get this out there!
[2:40PM Tehran Time]
Another video, greens singing “Yare Dabestani”:
[2:31PM Tehran Time]
Another video from today showing people protesting strongly. Amoungst the chants: “Zendaniye Siasi Azad Bayad Kardad!” (Political Prisoners Must Be Freed!), “Marg Bar Toh!” (Down With You! [referring to Khamenei, Ahmadinejad and their ilk]), and “The Russian embassy is a den of spies!”. The latter is particularly significant because normally on Student’s day the regime rallies its supporters to protest against the U.S. The U.S. embassy is referred to by the regime as the Den of Spies. But the people are applying the moniker to the Russian embassy because of the blatant disregard shown by the Russian government for the will of the Iranian people when they stood firmly by Ahmadinejad immediately after the rigged election:
[2:24PM Tehran Time]
From @madyar, another video. Shows a person that has been beaten in the head, bleeding, being treated by people:
[2:20PM Tehran Time]
MikVerbrugge reports that 500 Basijis hold 50 Greens in buses. People are trying to free them but need more people.
MikVerbrugge
Iran #13aban URGENT at Shomali Majmoueh Shiroudi/500 Basijis hold 50 Greens in buses.Trying to free them. Need ppl.
[2:14PM Tehran Time]
Another video from @madyar. This one is confirmed from today because the person filming it mentions the date:
[2:06PM Tehran Time]
Another powerful video… wow! At the end of it you hear one person say in Farsi, “They are hitting the women, do you see?” (source: @madyar on Twitter):
[1:54PM Tehran Time]
Another video from today, people chanting against Russia for supporting the coup government:
Video of people taking shelter in the parking of a home on Roosevelt Street in Tehran:
[1:20PM Tehran Time]
Josh Shahryar has confirmed that Karoubi left Haft-Tir square with bodyguards due to concern for his safety. So it appears that earlier reports that he was arrested may have been false.
At this time it is very difficult to confirm information that is coming in.
[1:16PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed video of protesters in Rasht singing “Yare Dabestani” (source @ArianIrani on Twitter):
[12:57PM Tehran Time]
MikVerbrugge reports people are chanting: “Our race is Aryan. Separate religion and politics!”
Cell phone services are almost completely down in Tehran in an apparent attempt to prevent communications from the street reaching the outside.
Multiple reports coming in of brutal crackdowns in Haft-Tir square and Vali Asr square.
Caller to Mardom TV radio reports that it looks like an all out war is going on between the people and the regime forces. Brutal attacks taking place on the people by the regime. Another person reports being an eye-witness to Karoubi being beaten and arrested.
[12:21PM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed: Report that Karoubi has been forced to leave, possibly been arrested.
[12:19PM Tehran Time]
Multiple reports coming in that people that have been attacked in Haft-Tir are taking refuge in nearby homes. The people in these homes are welcoming them and risking their own lives.
[12:07PM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in from Haft-Tir that plain-clothed vigilantes are taking people into side streets and arresting them. It’s best for people to stay with the crowds. Also, reports of more protests in more Iranian cities: add Esfahan and Araak to the list.
[11:53AM Tehran Time]
Reports are coming in that there are protest occurring in cities other than Tehran. Josh Shahryar reports that marchers are gathering in Mazandaran and Mahdi Saharkhiz reports that people are gathering in Shiraz.
There are also reports of an earthquake occurring in southern Iran.
[11:44AM Tehran Time]
Breaking News: The following was just posted by our trusted resource, Josh Shahryar:
Confirmed! Karoubi has joined the crowds! Confirmed!
[11:37AM Tehran Time]
About an hour ago the Revolutionary Road Blog (see earlier updates for link) reported that police are beating people with batons in an attempt to disperse them. Worse, the blog reports that shots have been fired in Haft-Tir square and that people are running into nearby houses to take refuge. One house is full of people that ran away from the shooting.
I have not heard anything about Karoubi being there or not. Nor have I heard anything about the whereabouts of Mousavi.
I stress that these reports are all still currently unconfirmed.
[11:29AM Tehran Time]
Mahdi Saharkhiz reports tear gas being fired in Haft-Tir Square, “over and over”. He is a reliable poster so it is likely true, but we will continue to seek confirmation. He also mentioned that some shots were fired that appear to have originated from paintball guns. I stress that I have no confirmation of this, but if it’s true then it is quite bizarre.
[11:22AM Tehran Time]
Getting conflicting reports with the report that tear gas was fired in Haft-Tir. Twitter user @jomhirani reports hearing that the Basij in Haft-Tir are not being aggressive, and are even being friendly. Some of them saying they are only their because they have to be.
I am looking for verification either way.
[11:15AM Tehran Time]
Unconfirmed: Reports of tear gas being fired in Haft-Tir square.
10:15:Security forces are completely alert from Ferdowsi. They are equipped with combat helmet, batons and tear gas. Forces have taken over across the street of Enghelab from Ferdowsi. Forces of Sarallah are placed at Ferdowsi to Gharani street where the ministry of education is located toward the former Embassy of U.S. .The special unit have taken over the intersection of Valiasr towards the Enghelab. They are also placed at Enghelab around the University of Tehran. In allies leading to Enghelab, Basiji and plain cloth forces are placed, they are equipped with baton and combat helmet. Their age range is between 15-19. Yellow buses which appears to belong to The bus company are bringing plain cloth Basiji, they are mainly young adults.
از میدان فردوسی نیروهای امنیتی به صورت کاملا آماده باش مستقرند, آنان مجهز به کلاهخود , باتوم و گاز اشک آور هستند . سرتاسر خیابان انقلاب از میدان فردوسی تا میدان انقلاب را نیروها در اختیار خود گرفته اند .میدان فردوسی به سمت خیابان قرنی که وزارت آموزش و پرورش در آنجاست به سمت سفارت سابق آمریکا در اختیار نیروهای لباس پلنگی است که نیروهای قرارگاه ثارالله سپاه هستند .چهار راه ولیعصر به سمت میدان انقلاب در اختیار نیروهای یگان ویژه نیروی انتظامی است . به سمت میدان انقلاب و اطراف دانشگاه تهران نیز نیروهای یگان ویژه مستقر شده اند .داخل کوچه های منتهی به خیابان انقلاب بسیجی ها و لباس شخصی ها که مجهز به باتوم و کلاهخود هستند مستقرند . لباس شخصی ها را افراد کم سن و سال که بین 15 تا 19 سال دارند تشکیل می دهند.
اتوبوس های زرد رنگی که ظاهرا متعلق به شرکت واحد اتوبوسرانی است مرتب دارد نیرو های لباس شخصی و بسیجی وارد می کند اکثر آنان کم سن و سال هستند
10:20:The Tehran University students, minutes ago, started marching towards the gates.
Minutes ago, the Tehran Uni students left the university towares the direction of the mass march while chanting “Down with Dictator. Per stand byers, there are tension and brief conflicts around where the march is happening.
دانشجویان دانشگاه تهران لحظاتی پیش حرکت خود از درب دانشگاه به سمت محل راهپیمایی را آغاز کردند. دقایقی پیش خیل دانشجویان دانشگاه تهران با شعار مرگ بر دیکتاتور دانشگاه را به سمت محل راهپیمایی ترک کردند. به گفته شاهدان عینی، درگیریهای مختصری در گوشه و کنار حرکت دانشجویان دیده شد.
[10:39AM Tehran Time]
Multiple sources reporting that Basij forces are blocking Tehran University students from leaving the university to join the protests.
[10:27AM Tehran Time]
Mahdi Saharkhiz reports that Tehran University students are leaving the university chanting “Down with dictator”. He reports that there have been some clashes. A family friend of his from Tehran reports “lots and lots of people coming”.
[10:10AM Tehran Time]
I just received a tweet from Twitter user @hawaiianbear saying the following:
Think about this for a moment. Obama appears to talk to the regime but is actually talking to the people of Iran.
This is an insightful thought, because Obama is a very nuanced and thoughtful president. I think it can be argued that he played a part as a catalyst in the Green Movement and people’s uprising in Iran with his powerful message of change. It may well be that he is indeed playing a double-game, seemingly addressing the regime while hoping that the people of Iran read between the lines. I stated this earlier but it is worth restating: perhaps he thinks that by removing the U.S. as a threat to Iran in a very public way, by removing the 30 years of bellicosity against the Iranian regime, he takes away the regime’s trump card and excuse for their radical anti-Americanism and their nonsensical focus on national security threats from the U.S. It makes it obvious to the Iranian people that it is unreasonable to keep chanting “Death to America”. It makes it absurd really. Without this threat, the regime’s reason d’etre largely vanishes and becomes obsolete. If indeed this is Obama’s intended consequence, and if (big if) it bears fruit, he will be seen as a genius.
[10:00AM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in that people are singing the revolutionary song “Yare Dabestani” and chanting “Down with the Dictator” from some Tehran schools. (Source @lissnup on Twitter).
@ArianIrani reports that people are gathering in Haft-Tir Square, which is now crowded with people and cars, waiting for Karoubi.
[9:36AM Tehran Time]
BNO News reports the following breaking news (source):
NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) — President Obama on Tuesday evening released the following statement on Iran.
“Thirty years ago today, the American Embassy in Tehran was seized. The 444 days that began on November 4, 1979 deeply affected the lives of courageous Americans who were unjustly held hostage, and we owe these Americans and their families our gratitude for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
This event helped set the United States and Iran on a path of sustained suspicion, mistrust, and confrontation. I have made it clear that the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. We do not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs. We have condemned terrorist attacks against Iran. We have recognized Iran’s international right to peaceful nuclear power. We have demonstrated our willingness to take confidence-building steps along with others in the international community. We have accepted a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet Iran’s request for assistance in meeting the medical needs of its people. We have made clear that if Iran lives up to the obligations that every nation has, it will have a path to a more prosperous and productive relationship with the international community.
Iran must choose. We have heard for thirty years what the Iranian government is against; the question, now, is what kind of future it is for. The American people have great respect for the people of Iran and their rich history. The world continues to bear witness to their powerful calls for justice, and their courageous pursuit of universal rights. It is time for the Iranian government to decide whether it wants to focus on the past, or whether it will make the choices that will open the door to greater opportunity, prosperity, and justice for its people.”
It seems Obama is walking a very, very fine line. By attempting to negotiate with the illegitimate regime over the heads of the Iranian people he lends them credibility they would otherwise not have. There is a possibility though that the pressure he is applying to the regime by NOT being confrontational with them will lead to the Iranian people no longer being afraid to confront the regime due to the fact that their is no imminent threat of an external attack. Is that wishful thinking? Probably too soon to say.
[9:18AM Tehran Time]
Revolutionary Road is live-blogging today directly from Tehran: Revolutionary Road’s Student’s Day Live-Blog. This appears to be the originating source of the information I posted at 9:08AM.
They just reported that there is a heavy anti-riot police and plain-clothed vigilantes present in Haft-Tir Square. This is very foreboding because Mehdi Karoubi plans to be there at 10:30AM.
[9:08AM Tehran Time]
We have unconfirmed reports coming in on Twitter that all roads leading to the U.S. embassy are lined with anti-riot police and Basij forces, and that the Russian embassy is surrounded by Sepah (Revolutionary Guards) and Basij. Clearly the regime is worried and wants to leave nothing to chance.
[8:42AM Tehran Time]
Before the day’s events begin to unfold, here are some videos of recent protests:
A video of a protest at Sharif University on November 2, a precursor to today’s planned protests, originally posted by Mahdi Saharkhiz in his twitter feed (here):
Three vids of raucous protests on November 3 at Tehran’s Azad University (source: Iran All Day’s Blog). People can be heard chanting “Allaho Akbar” (God is Great!), “Ya Hossein! Mir Hossein!”, “Marg Bar Diktator” (Down with the Dictator), “Iranieh Ba Gheyrat, Hemayat! Hemayet!” (Iranian with values, Support! Support!) and several other chants:
[8:00AM Tehran Time]
Today marks the 30th anniversary of a notorious day in the history of Iran and modern international politics — the day that a group of students calling themselves Followers of the Imam’s Line stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took the staff hostage.
This triggered an ordeal that lasted 444 days until all of the hostages were released. This act lead to the severing of formal relations between the governments of Iran and the United States, and helped the most radical Islamist elements of the revolutionaries that overthrew the former Shah of Iran consolidate their power.
The repercussions reverberate to this day. I recommend the following article, by Muhammad Sahimi from Tehran Bureau as a primer on the significance of this day:
While the mainstream western media has, for the most part, moved on from the uprising and subsequent conflict that has been going on in Iran since the rigging of the June 12th presidential elections there, a lot has been happening. It is the opinion of the author that this is because unless there are millions of people in the streets the mainstream western media loses interest.
The last major street protests took place on September the 18th, on a day designated by the government as Qods Day or “Jerusalem Day,” reserved by them for demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause. The day was used by the Green Movement to promote the causes of freedom and human rights in Iran instead, with a popular chant being, “No Gaza, No Lebanon, I give my life for Iran.” The regime was unable to or reluctant to stop the counter-protests. I live-blogged that day here.
Qods Day ended up being the first day in which the people were largely in control, and served as a huge morale boost for the movement. Since then there have not been large protests in the streets, but there have been many protests in universities since the start of the academic year. For all of the month of October, the anticipation has been building for the next big opportunity to show the regime that the Green Movement is alive and means business.
It is now 8:20am on November 4 — Student’s Day. I will live-blog today’s events here as the day unfolds.
On Mir Hossein Mousavi’s Facebook page about one hour ago, it was announced that Mehdi Karoubi plans to be at Haft-Tir Square at 10:30. Mousavi and Karoubi both ran in the June 12th elections and both have been active since then in opposition to the coup makers.
Ahmadinejad proved beyond the shadow of any reasonable doubt that he is a despot, a liar, an abuser of human rights, a murderer and a thief since the rigging of the June 12th presidential elections in Iran. This man was just given the bully pulpit at the U.N. to spew his hypocritical lunacy to the world. There is much that can be said about his speech, and I’m sure many will summarize it and it will go in the annuls of history as another despot having his moment at the U.N. I would like to focus in on a part of his speech that is prophetic and meaningful to me as an Iranian. I’m sure Ahmadinejad doesn’t realize the irony of what he said, but it will not be lost on the observant reader. Here is the part of his speech that I am referring to:
The time has come to an end for those that define democracy and freedom and set standards while they themselves are the first to violate its fundamental principles. They can no longer be both the judge and the executor and challenge real democratically established governments. So I’d like to say again, that the time has passed for a group of people to believe that they alone define concepts such as democracy and freedom and hold up the criteria for these definitions while simultaneously violating the very principles to which the aspire. Governments can continue which are based on the rule of the people. The awakening of nations, and the expansion of freedom worldwide will no longer allow others to continue their hypocrisy and vicious attitudes.
Thank you, Mr. Ahmadinejad, for clearly stating why we the People of Iran dislike you. And thank you for predicting your own demise, for you are the epitomy of the type of hypocritical government that you speak of. Indeed the time has come to an end for those that define democracy and set standards while they themselves are the first to violate them, thief, murderer and liar. And yes, only governments which are based on the rule of the people will survive. And indeed the awakening of nations, one of them being our precious, proud, cultured and distinguished nation of Iran, and the expansion of freedom worldwide will no longer allow others (such as yourself and your ilk) their hypocrisy and vicious attitudes.
Your words are prophetic. Thank you, Mr. Ahmadinejad, for predicting your own demise.
The following is one of the most harrowing videos I have seen since the 18th of Tir anti-government protests in Iran, spurred by the rigged election that gave the presidency to Ahmadinejad.
In this video, a scuffle ensues between the government militia accompanied by what appears to be plain-clothed government agents, and Green Movement protesters. The person filming this is having is talking to someone with him and you can hear the fear in their voices. The friend repeatedly says, “Let’s go!” and begs his friend to leave.
I have to step away from the live-blog for a few hours. In the meantime, if you have been following us and would like to help out, please post new incoming Qods Day news in the comments section at the bottom of this live-blog post. Spread the word on Twitter and Facebook. Let the mainstream media know what’s going on as well.
If you are new here, you should start from the bottom of this live-blog entry and read upwards.
Again, please help us out by adding news that you come accross, including audio and video, links to important information, etc. into the comments section. When I return, I will place them into the live-blog entry.
Thank you, and God Bless and Protect Iran and all of the citizens of Iran who are seeking nothing more than their freedom. I had no doubt that we would get there someday. But after today I am even more confident that Iran will be free.
Until I return,
IranNewsNow
Parting notes:
The Guardian has reported that people were shouting “Ahmadi, Ahmadi, Resign, Resign” during a radio broadcast all over IRIB on live Iranian TV. (That news just put a huge smile on my face). Here is the link: Guardian: Iran Protests Qods Day
Lots of videos of Qods day anti-government protests as well as videos of security presence on the streets starting to come in:
This one shows the security presence in Shiraz:
This video is interesting because it shows a crowd of Karoubi supporters chanting “Karoubi! Karoubi!” while clapping and marching. After several chants they start chanting “Marg bar diktator!” or “Down with the dictator!”:
This next video shows protesters at Vali Asr Square:
MikVerbrugge confirms that Mousavi is “under siege” at home. Josh Shahryar sent out an urgent tweet on Twitter saying that an Associated Free Press report and IRNA report has been circulating claiming that Mousavi showed up at the protests that this is NOT correct. The IRNA story is a complete fabrication. The regime is sending out misinformation.
There is also a report of cell phone service being cut at Vali Asr Square.
[2:29 PM Tehran Time]
Multiple sources are reported clashes between protesters and government security forces in various cities throughout Iran.
Reza Saya (sayaCNN on Twitter) has reported that CNN sources say there is a 3km to 4km stretch between Vali Asr Square and Laleh Park packed with tens of thousands of opposition supporters. This is HUGE news! There is simply no way that Khamenei, Ahmadinejad and their respective sycophants can claim that the opposition did not show up today. From what we have been reporting over the last several hours the Green Movement in Iran not only lives on, but it lives on strong.
Several other interesting updates since our last one:
MikVerbrugge reports that Hashemi Rafsanjani was at Enghelab Square (Revolution Square) in Tehran among Greens.
He reports of heavy beatings of people in Kargar Street by Basijis, and that Tehran Police have been disbursing and charging at Basiji plain-clothed agents, protecting the people. His report is corroborated by others. One report says that the people are actually thanking security forces (presumably for the protection against attacks by plain-clothed Basijis and government agents). Apparently, armed Basij stormed out of tents around Tehran University. Also, there is a report that forces are trying to gather around IRIB (the government broadcasting agency, a mouthpiece of the regime that is typically spewing government propoganda) because masses of people are approaching and there are no forces available to protect the building.
Basijis also attacked people in Valiasr Square, where thousand have marched (and continue to march). Some protesters are also moving towards Vanak Square. There are Greens everywhere in Tehran. People are singing the national anthem as they march through the streets.
[2:14 PM Tehran Time]
Josh Shahryar reports that the situation in Isfahan is very tense, with thousands of protesters gathered and hundreds of security forces present. Security forces attacked and beat people where they had gathered in Imam Hossein Square. Cell phone service in different parts of Isfahan have been cut off.
And (unconfirmed) Greens are marching in the city of Kermanshah.
[2:02 PM Tehran Time]
From MikVerbrugge: There are unconfirmed reports coming in that the Isfahan University is under attack. He also reports that people are attacking Basij everywhere.
[1:39 PM Tehran Time]
Photo taken in Tehran today, from a trusted source (click to enlarge):
According to the source, people in white clothes and green caps are police. MikVerbrugge is being told the picture shows police standing between the people and Basij but this is hard to tell.
Also, I just noticed on RetweetRadar.com, a site that monitors Twitter trends realtime, that IranNewsNow.com contributor MikVerbrugge is in the Top Retweeted People list! And Mehdi Saharkhiz’s (@onlymehdi’s) blog is listed in Top Retweeted Links (click to enlarge):
Seems to corroborate the story we reported earlier. Especially since his turban appears to have been knocked off his head, which is what earlier reports claimed.
[1:27 PM Tehran Time]
Enduring America has a running summary of Ahmadinejads speech. This is excerpted from the site and must be read in reverse order:
0833 GMT: Ahmadinejad ends his speech.
0830 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “We want [Palestinian] refugees to come back and decide their own future. [But the Israelis] have built several scenarios to reduce the dimension of the Iranian people. They are rallying some people in New York. The Iranian nation shall not crush a single grain for these machinations. The Iranian people have declared that they are ready and stands by the values of its Leader. They struggle against tyrants and hold high the flag of freedom and justice and will never set it down.”
0827 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “Messages to nations friendly to this [Israeli, not Iranian, I presume] regime. This regime is nearing its end. Occupation and rape are nearing their end.”
“You shoot a million-dollar missile towards a smaller value building in Gaza. The million-dollar part cannot emerge victorious! This regime has no future. They are building walls along themselves. We advise you: relinquish support for the Zionists. This regime is doomed, do not attach yourself to it. Even if 1000 years would pass, the nations of the region will not acknowledge this regime or recognise it.”
0826 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “The influence of Zionism is permeating everywhere. When they influence, they will never leave. A US professor would tell me that one of them requested to be employed after no appointments were made in the past 5-6 years. He came back to that university a few years later. The faculty was infested with Zionists.”
0824 GMT: EA Correspondent – “Chants inside Tehran Uni exclusively in line with regime. There seems to be no Green presence inside.”
0822 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “Iranian people are the flagbearer of everything good in the world: justice, pureness, peace and friendship. Resistance towards this [Israeli] regime is a national and global duty. The people of Iran will never put this flag down. The only route for salvation is resisting the corrupt Zionist channel in the world. You should know that, due to God’s will, the final victory of the revolutionary people of the world front against Zionism is in our hands.”
0818 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “Some US, European politicians have told us, ‘You can shout against us, don’t shout slogans against these Zionists.’ They will put us under pressure. Big companies in Europe, US cannot do business unless they have Zionist stakeholders.” [Ahmadinejad's get-out clause for Iran's economic difficulties?]
“World should know that Zionism is the best example of racism. They are people that have no respect for anything but their own. Even the US president — should they manage it — they will assassinate him.”
0814 GMT: EA Correspondent – “Ahmadinejad still going on in same terms about Israel.”
0807 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “All the bits and pieces of Israel’s regime are against humanity. All of the components of Israel’s government and regime have no faith against faiths of the world.”
0802 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “We should have 72 countries in Europe. Even Russia has to be dismembered if every nation is to go independent.” [Hmm....Can't see Moscow being too pleased about this.]
0800 GMT: Ahmadinejad – “The Europeans are supporting the crimes of the Zionists and are creating anti-Jewish sentiment to further the Israeli crowds. All are for domination on the world.
“We have to give rights to Indian redskins [Native Americans]. They had culture and heritage. You have encroached on them and killed millions.” [Nice touch. Ahmadinejad stands alongside the first victims of "American imperialism".]
0755 GMT: Running summary of Ahmadinejad speech: “Holocaust once again. He is asking on why research on the Holocaust has been impeded. Palestine most important problem of the world. Iraq. Afghanistan, Sudan being trampled, all due to Zionists. All imperialism due to Zionists.
Why don’t you allow the main reason of the Palestinian plight to be analysed?”
[1:15 PM Tehran Time]
Josh Shahryar reports on a rumor that Mousavi may have been put under house arrest. This is as-yet unconfirmed, but if true it is a huge development. Especially if the reports on attacks on Khatami turn out to be true as well. The regime is really going out of its way to anger the people.
[1:07 PM Tehran Time]
More videos coming out of Shiraz (source Mehdi Saharkhiz):
This one:
This one:
And this one:
A report from the website Parleman News (Farsi) reports that the hardline newspaper that acts as a mouthpiece for Khamenei, Keyhan’s chief editor’s son was behind the attacks on former President Khatami (although we cannot confirm this at this time, nor can we fully confirm yet that Khatami has been attacked, but chatter on this is building up).
There are also reports that Mehdi Karoubi is moving with large crowds in Tehran towards Tehran University where Ahmadinejad was recently speaking (and may still be as far as we are aware) and where Ahmad Khatami (a hardline cleric not to be confused with former President Mohammad Khatami) is supposed to give today’s Friday Prayer sermon.
[12:50 PM Tehran Time]
My focus for last several minutes has been on trying to get mainstream media attention on the massive protests happening in Iran. So far, I have contacted CNN and NBC News. Others have contacted the BBC. In particular I would like them to show the video from Shiraz posted on the liveblog at 12:25 AM Tehran Time.
Reports have come in that Ahmadinejad has started speaking. According to Enduring America, he is standing up for the rights of Native Americans. To this we say, WHAT ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF IRANIANS?! Good Grief!
New chants have been reported:
“Azadi! Azadi!” or “Freedom! Freedom!” in Vali Asr Square.
“Police Force, Support, Support!”
“Our vote is lost, Iran is turned to Palestine!” This one is a play on the fact that Qods day is supposed to be a rally in support of the Palestinian cause if you go by what the Iranian government wants it to be. The people are claiming the day for their own.
Reports coming in of protesters being badly injured (one report of a fractured skull).
I have not received further confirmation yet on the report about Khatami being attacked. Will monitor closely.
[12:25 PM Tehran Time]
First video coming out of Iran, from Shiraz (source: Mehdi Saharkhiz) shows people marching and chanting! Chants of “Down with Russia!” and “Not Gaza! Not Lebanon! My life for Iran!” heard in the video. The “Down with Russia” chant is being made to protest Russia’s support of the coup government and regime in Iran. The latter quote has been previously mentioned (see below) but this is the first proof I have seen:
[12:14 PM Tehran Time]
Mehdi Saharkhiz and other sources report that former President Khatami has been attacked while in the crowd with protesters in Tehran. Mehdi’s twitter post:
RT @onlymehdi confirmed on Khatami being beaten. there was knives involved #IranElection
If this is true it is a VERY BIG DEAL! All the regime needs to do to continue to mobilize the Green Movement is to allow its thugs and goons to attack or harm them.
[11:57 AM Tehran Time]
Mehdi Saharkhiz, human rights activist, whose father, Issa Saharkhiz is being held in prison by the regime simply for voicing support for the Green Movement, has posted the first picture coming from Iran today on Twitter. The location is Karimkhan Street (presumably in Tehran):
Mehdi also reports that Ahmadinejad has entered Tehran University in a fully armored bullet-proof vehicle escorted by eight motorbikes. His speech will commence shortly.
[11:53 AM Tehran Time]
One source reports thousands of greens protesting now in city of Qazvin.
IranNewsNow.com contributor MikVerbrugge reports of rumors of shots being fired in Qom (unconfirmed)
[11:39 AM Tehran Time]
People in Valiasr Square chanting “Salam Bar Sane’ie” and “Dorood bar Karoubi” in respect for Grand Ayatollah Sane’ie and Mehdi Karoubi for their staunch support of the people and Green Movement. Others chanting “Marg Bar Diktator” or Down with the Dictator.
Other sources are reporting thousands of people with green flags in Shiraz chanting “Not Gaza, Not Lebanon, My life for Iran!”.
Word of caution: I can’t stress enough that although I trust my sources of information, I cannot corroborate this information as I have yet to see any video or audio. The numbers may be incorrect (either over- or under-estimated). As information comes in, and corroborates with past info, we can be more certain, and in some cases we may be able to completely confirm it. However, suffice it to say that there is no question that a very large show of people has come out to protest in support of the Green Movement and in opposition to the government of Ahmadinejad, Khamenei and company.
Another trusted source from within Iran claims that on TV they are showing footage of a previous Qods day. He can tell by the fact that school students are shown protesting while school is currently closed. The government clearly does not want to show the anti-government protesters in the streets right now.
[11:28 AM Tehran Time]
Reports of people in Tehran chanting for the government to resign and heckling Basijis on their bikes. Also people shouting, asking for military to support them. (via @NedaAgain).
Multiple reports of reformist leader Mehdi Karoubi now amoungst the protesters. People in Ferdowsi Square shouting and chanting in support of Karoubi.
One source reports lots of police standing around in Tehran doing nothing, just watching the protesters.
[11:13 AM Tehran Time]
Reports coming in from multiple sources at a very rapid pace now. From this point forward I will not rename a source that has been previously named, and I will attempt to aggregate reports of similar occurrences or events so that I can focus on getting the reports out as fast as possible.
There are multiple reports coming in from trusted sources of a massive number of Green Movement supporters in Isfahan. MikVerbrugge reports 50,000 to 60,000 greens! Additional reports from Isfahan are coming in indicating clashes between government security forces and protesters, with tear gas being used. At Isfahan’s Industrial University, one report claims that 1000+ greens are surrounded by police where tear gas was used.
Protests are building up in Tehran as well. Reports of forces asking people to use official (government sanctioned) chants but people are ignoring them. In Vali Asr Square there are reports of bikers (in the past these have been Basiji or plain-clothed government agents) heading towards 7 Tir square.
Trusted contributer of IranNewsNow.com (as well as HuffingtonPost.com) Josh Shahryar (@Iran_Translator) confirms that crowds are pouring into the streets in what he termed ‘FLOOD OF GREEN’.
[11:00 AM Tehran Time]
Reports of protestors in Isfahan’s Eghelab Square chanting “No Gaza! No Lebanon! My Life for Iran!” (via trusted Twitter source @madyar). Here’s a video purported to be from yesterday (from Twitter source @Shadien) where people are chanting this:
Trusted Twitter user @IranRiggedElect mentions “reports of tear gas used in front of the industrial university of Isfahan”. He also reports of Greens starting to gather in Qom (holy city) as well.
Enduring America Reports:
Reports from numerous sources of chanting from protestors, including “God is Great”, “Yah Hossein! Mir Hossein!”, and “Death to the Dictator”. Also people are gathering under Karim Khan Bridge chanting “No Gaza, No Lebanon — My Life for Iran”.
As these reports start to come in, and they start to corroborate one and other, the likelihood of a massive turn out of anti-government protesters increases (although I cannot independently confirm the reports at this time, such is the nature of reports that come in from Twitter, however, based on months of watching various users, I will always state whether I believe the source is an IranNewsNow.com trusted source).
[10:35 AM Tehran Time]
Reports now from trusted source that protesters are gathering in city of Shiraz. Same source also getting reports of people shouting, “Marg bar Basiji!” meaning Down with Basij (Basij were involved heavily in the post-rigged-election crackdown on protesters). From now on, if I mention a Twitter source I will mention only the Twitter account name. In this case, the source is IranProxy.
0515 GMT: It is now 9:45 a.m. in Tehran. There are reported gatherings in Tehran at 7 Tir, Vanak, and Mirdamak Squares. Uniformed security forces are gathering in Enghelab Square near Tehran University. Claims also of gatherings in Tabriz, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
One twitter source says that reporters have been put in places full of Basijis (government youth militia) and people in support of the government. Source: http://www.twitter.com/peaceiniran88.
A report circulated earlier saying that foreign media were only being permitted to film in specific locations. This meshes with the information from the Twitter source above. The regime is trying to control the media message getting out. It will be interesting to see whether the mainstream foreign media will show protester videos as they start to come in, like they did during earlier protests. It is up to everyone concerned to make sure to provide mainstream media sources with information and videos as you find or come across them.
[10:07 AM Tehran Time]
Trusted contributor to IranNewsNow.com, MikVerbrugge, reports that forces in Tabriz are calling for reinforcements due to a mass gathering. I am assuming he means a mass gathering of potential anti-government protesters. If reinforcements are being called in already this means the potential for violence is extremely high now. Everything depends on the size of the turnout for the Green Movement now.
If true, this is indicative of fear amoungst the ranks of security forces of possible identification in the future. Do they see (green) writing on the wall…?
According to an informed source, the security forces, based on prior plans, intend to arrest Mir-Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi karroubi; following the Quds Day Marches.
This informed source, in continuation of his interview with NouroozNews, said: Analysis leads to believe that the reason that government organizations and institutions have given their employees two days off; Saturday and Monday of this week [coming week], is to decrease the population of the City [in those two days] and to pave the way for these arrests.
He also [the informed source] thinks it is probable that with prior planning [by the authorities] and in order to create excuses for these arrests, pre-planned clashes will take place during Quds Day marches so that they [authorities] can later attribute the clashes to the popular Green Movement.
A lot will depend on the turn out of Green Movement supporters. If the turnout is massive, arresting Karoubi or Mousavi will work against the regime, and they probably won’t do it.
[8:32 AM Tehran Time]
A website called MowjCamp.com has published a report just before 1:00AM : IRGC Preparing for Bloodbath. Given the importance of the message, here is the report in its entirety:
Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:52 AM
IRGC preparing for bloodbath
Even after the international and internal fiasco caused by clampdowns, prisoner abuse and killings after the disputed elections in June which have made Iranians more determined to support their Green Movement, it seems that the expected conclusions have yet to be drawn.
As Basij forces from the outskirts of Tehran (especially Varamin) are being deployed in Tehran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps has issued a new stern warning to protestors ahead of Al-Quds days.
According to the website Khabar Online which quoted the pro-government news agency Fars News, the statement issued by the IRGC states: “by their special moves and deviating slogans and the use of deceptive colour symbols and acting according to the wishes of foreign media, the enemies of the revolution and the [Islamic] system and those defeated in the recent elections are making an effort to take revenge from the people who made the glorious 85% turnout happen on 12th June and opened a new chapter in the progress and advance of the country and are disrupting the unity of the people, and turning the strong and unified slogans of the people against the occupiers of Palestine into deviating slogans.”
The statement warns about the readiness of intelligence and military forces, especially the Basij and IRGC to confront any deviating and anti-revolution movement that disrupts the march for Al-Quds on Friday.
The end of the statement glorifies and justifies plain-clothed forces and their illegal actions and calls on people to help security forces in carrying out their duties in case of any disruption or deviation in the march on Friday.
IRGC stands for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful military group established after the 1979 revolution as a parallel force to the regular Iranian military. The IRGC has been gradually involving itself in directly in politics, and during Ahmadinejad’s first term their power has been on the increase. They are involved in everything from the military, to Iran’s industrial industries, to the black market. Ahmadinejad and Khamenei both have strong ties with the IRGC. Since the June 12 rigged elections, they have been heavily involved in the brutal crackdown on dissent.
This begins the start of our live-blogging session on Iran’s Qods Day Demonstrations. Ayatollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic’s first Supreme Leader designated this day as a day of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In recent years the event has been used by the regime in power to propagandise and show-off the “might” of the regime. But this year, the event has the potential to turn into a widespread demonstration of popular discontent with the regime in Iran.
Since the rigged June 12 presidential a large, sophisticated resistance and opposition movement has been growing, crossing all social classes, in Iran. The movement has metastasised from one that was initially asking “Where is my vote?” of the regime that stole it, to one that wants wholesale changes, if not the complete dismantling of the existing power structure. It is both a freedom movement and a civil rights movement at the same time.
While anger and resentment over the rigged election and the violent crackdown afterwards has not subsided, the massive crowds of protesters that marched in protest in the early days have turned into a brewing and simmering stew of discontent and anti-government sentiment. For weeks now this movement has been planning to turn the regime’s own, planned Qods day event into a massive, non-violent anti-government protest.
It is early in the morning in Iran. As events unfold and I learn about them, I will share them here.
