Protests Reported in Iran, Despite Ban
By VOA News
09 July 2009
Witnesses in the Iranian capital say several hundred demonstrators defied a government warning against protests Thursday, the anniversary of a student uprising.
The witnesses say security forces moved in to stop the demonstration.
The French news agency, AFP, says police in riot gear clashed with chanting protesters who were moving toward Tehran University, the site of an uprising ten years ago.
Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi had called for demonstrations to mark Thursday's 10th anniversary of a deadly crackdown against students in Tehran.
Authorities had warned that security forces would "smash" any protests. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Tehran's governor Morteza Tamadon as saying no government permits had been issued for rallies and there would be a "crushing response" on anyone who defied the protest ban.
Security is high at many locations in Tehran, including the area near Tehran University.
Opposition demonstrations broke out following Iran's June 12 presidential vote, which defeated reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his supporters say was fraudulent. They have refused to accept official results that show incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad winning by a landslide.
Iranian police have detained more than 1,000 political activists, journalists, and others who authorities say were linked to post-election demonstrations. Officials say most of them have been released.
On July 9, 1999, security forces raided a dormitory in Tehran, following a peaceful protest. Many students were beaten and arrested. Officials said one student died in the crackdown. Opposition groups say eight people were killed.
Meanwhile, six United Nations experts are seeking permission from the Iranian government to visit the country and independently assess conditions there.
The human rights experts issued a joint statement made public Wednesday expressing grave concern about reports of mass arrests and the use of excessive force by police since last month's disputed presidential election.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, AFP and AP.
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