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Clashes at Protests Reported in Iran

By VOA News
09 July 2009

Photo obtained by AP outside Iran shows an Iranian female protester in front of burning public trash bins during an opposition rally in Tehran, 09 Jul 2009
Photo obtained by AP outside Iran shows an Iranian female protester in front of burning public trash bins during an opposition rally in Tehran, 09 Jul 2009
Witnesses in the Iranian capital say police clashed with demonstrators who defied a government warning against protests Thursday.

The witnesses in Tehran say police fired shots into the air and also used tear gas and batons to hold back protesters who tried to rally at Tehran University. The school was the site of a student uprising 10 years ago Thursday.

The witnesses say about 3,000 demonstrators gathered near the site, some chanting "Death to the dictator." Some protesters set trash cans on fire.

Witnesses say police detained some of the demonstrators, and they also say members of the pro-government Basij militia have also been out in force.








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.

However, Iraqi 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.

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.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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