Live-Blogging Ashura Protests in Iran

Check This Link For Latest Summary Update of Protests

In the closing hours of the day, the number of dead in Tehran rose from four to around 8-10. Full confirmation is not at hand, but given the reports of security forces firing on protesters, it does not seem surprising for the number to rise higher. The number of people arrested so far in Tehran and around Iran is probably high. Full confirmation will probably come later.

14:11 GMT

Protests in Mashhad can be confirmed now. Protesters gathered outside Grand Ayatollah Sane’i’s house and at Imam Reza’s Shrine. At least 17 people were arrested – most of them students. Many people were injured in clashes as well.

Protests in Babol can be confirmed too now. Many protesters – including a young girl – were beaten badly by security forces here.

The number of people arrested in Tehran has reached at least 10. The number is probably going to rise. At least 4 people were also killed here. Among the dead was Mir Hossein Mousavi’s nephew, Sayyed Ali Mousavi. So far, the protests could be confirmed in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Babol, Ardabil, Qom and Najafabad.

13:44 GMT

Protesters are planning to gather up in several spots in Tehran again tonight. Hosseini Square, Vanak Square, Ferdowsi Square, Imam Hossein Square, Tajrish Square, Arya Shahr Square, Millat Park and Laleh Park are the main areas protesters are planning on gathering.

13:37 GMT

Reports from Tabriz indicate that people protested in this city in large numbers too. People chanted anti-government slogans and one of the main slogans was, “Every flower that you shatter; we will plant again!” Reports suggest that several people were injured and at least four were killed during clashes – but this could not be confirmed.

13:30 GMT

People fighting back in Tehran.. again! Police Station on fire!

Protesters in Tehran:

13:30 GMT

As the streets of Tehran slowly calm down, cell phone services and internet are still disrupted across Central Tehran. Checking emails has become almost impossible in some areas.

13:26 GMT

ISNA and IRNA as well as IRIB today reported that the protests in Tehran were tiny – perhaps dozens of people – and were mainly led by hooligans who were hell-bent on destroying public property. Tehran Police also announced that no one had been killed by their men or other security forces. Our official count stands four and possibly five people killed by bullet wounds and baton strikes to the head.

13:04 GMT

Great pictures from today: http://www.kosoof.com/

13:03 GMT

Two video from Tehran, fires, anger, beatings, chanting / Booing down a helicopter?:

12:57 GMT

People take down street sign with Khamenei’s name and trample it:

12:50 GMT

In Najafabad, people have hung black clothes over Imam Khomeini and Khamenei’s pictures:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ld7dat.jpg

12:06 GMT

Riot police running away:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00664/Iran2_2_350_664457a.jpg

Anti-riot guard caught between people:

Angry protesters, overturned security forces vehicle:

Setting fire to security forces’ vehicle; loud chants of Allahu Akbar:

12:01 GMT

Eye-witness accounts from Tehran tell a bizzare tale of special forces disobeying their superiors. According to these reports, in several parts of Tehran, even though the commanding officers were telling their soldiers to fire upon crowds, they did not. Commanders were heard shouting, “You will be court-marshaled!”, but the soldiers did not budge.

Large swaths of central Tehran are completely devoid of security forces and protesters are chanting loudly. It has also now been confirmed that some Basiji bikes were set on fire by protesters. For the first time, across Tehran, protesters actively fought back against security forces. They put a vehicle belonging to the security forces on fire as well. Other videos showed Basijis being beaten by people.

11:54 GMT

Basiji bikes burning in Tehran:

http://web3.twitpic.com/img/52811657-596fcddb161cc4bf9c6f21dfd4ef9719.4b374ac7-full.jpg

11:46 GMT

11:38 GMT

Images from Tehran Today:

http://www.mardomak.biz/uploads/inline_images/IMG_9794.JPG

http://www.mardomak.biz/uploads/inline_images/IMG_9790.JPG

http://www.mardomak.biz/uploads/inline_images/IMG_9831.JPG

11:30 GMT

In Tehran, clashes have spread to Kargare Shomali Avenue and Laleh Park.

In Babol, security forces have clashed with protesters and injured many. They have also arrested several people. So far, the protests continue.

In Shiraz, security forces have surrounded Ayatollah Dastegheyb’s house as thousands of people showed up to protest against the government.

11:15 GMT

Ninth video from today:

11:09 GMT

Eighth video from today in Tehran:

11:07 GMT

Seventh video from Tehran:

11:00 GMT

Sixth video; protesters writing anti-government slogans on Khamenei’s poster in Tehran:

10:50 GMT

Fifth video from Tehran. People carrying a protester that has been injured/killed and chanting, “I will kill, I will kill; he who has killed my brother!”

10:41 GMT

There are reports that in Tehran, police shot at protesters in Azadi Square. No details yet.

In Shiraz, people have gathered in Shah Cheragh and have clashed with security forces. Tear gas has also been used here and several people have reportedly been injured. There are also reports of gunfire from here.

10:38 GMT

Fourth video from Tehran today at Baharestan Square:

10:20 GMT

Basijis are attacking people in Tehran with knives according to reports. Several people have been stabbed. Scores of people have been injured by Basijis. Tehran Bazaar is also the scene of clashes according to reports. Women have joined men in large numbers in Tehran today. Clashes continue in several parts of the city as more people continue to join the protests.

10:17 GMT

New Video of protests in Tehran:

10:02 GMT

New video from Tehran:

9:50 GMT

Protests can now be confirmed in Ardebil and Babol. Unconfirmed protests in Arak, Mashhad, Tabriz and Mahabad.

9:41 GMT

Reports that at least one more protester has been killed in Tehran. The number of protesters killed in today’s protesters in Tehran is now 4. At least 6 have been injured so far.

There are also reports of protests in Qom.

9:26 GMT

Protests in Isfahan can now be confirmed as well as reports of clashes.

In Tehran, protesters have been fired upon in Valiasr as well. At least 3 people were injured there. There are reports of gunshots in Enghelab Square as well.

9:19 GMT

First video of the day from Taleghani Square:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVL_-pJ6gJo

9:10 GMT

Just confirmed that 3 people have been killed near Pole Kalej in Tehran. One unconfirmed death in Valiasr Square. In Pole Kalej, two people have been injured by Basijis. Reports that more security forces are arriving in Tehran.

Clashes can now also be confirmed in Shiraz as well as Najafabad. Clashes have also been reported from both cities.

8:48 GMT

Reports have now been confirmed that security forces have fired gunshots in Tehran. No confirmation on whether they targeted or just fired in the air. People are moving through Somayye and Taleghani Avenues now. Keshavarz Blvd has been completely filled with people. Smoke rising from Valiasr Square in Tehran as well. Cell phone coverage in Central Tehran has been disrupted.

Unconfirmed reports of protests in Najafabad too now.

8:35 GMT

Clashes spreading in to different parts of Tehran. Helicopters flying over the central parts of the city. There is fire and smoke in Hafez Square. Taleghani Square, Keshavarz Blvd, Namjo Street and area around Amir Kabir University witnessing clashes as well. So far it seems that the central part of Tehran is filled with battles between protesters and security forces.

Security forces, however, seem to be taking a hit today. There are reports that in some parts, security forces have retreated after clashes. People seem to be very angry and chants against Khamenei have intensified today.

8:21 GMT

There are reports of clashes in Ferdowsi Square as well now in Tehran. Tear gas has also been used in Enghelab Avenue. There are unconfirmed reports that shots have been fired in Tehran. Unconfirmed reports of protests in Isfahan, Mashhad and Shiraz.

8:17 GMT

Police have blocked Hafez Street to stop the flow of people. However, protesters have managed to break through the lines of security forces at Valiasr and Enghelab Avenue. Right now, people are moving from Enghelab Square towards Azadi Square. A large mass of people is also on the move near Pole Karim Khan.

In Tehran, people are chanting “Ya Hossein; Mir Hossein”, “Allahu Akbar”, “We are not the people of Kofa who stood by Yazid!”, “Why are you silent? Tehran has become Karbala!”, “Death to Dictator!” “This is the month of blood and Sayyed Ali [Khamenei] will be toppled!”.

8:00 GMT

Reports of massive clashes between security forces and protesters in Tehran. Different parts of the city are currently witnessing mass gatherings of people.Main areas where people have gathered are Valiasr Square, Parke Daneshjo, Imam Hossein Square, Pole-Kalej and other parts. People are also marching through Enghelab Avenue.

Reports indicate that security forces are using batons and cables to beat protesters up. No news on numbers but they are certainly growing by the minute. So far, tear gas has been used by security forces to disperse the crowds gathered at Valiasr. In Tehran, people have set a vehicle belonging to security forces on fire. Security forces in Pole-Kalej are attempting to stop masses from joining by blocking streets.

There are reports from Oromieh also of a very tense security situation. There are unconfirmed reports of protests from Shiraz and Mashhad as well as clashes. Will update as soon as possible.

6:18 GMT

Security presence in Tehran is reportedly very tight. IRGC, Basij and riot police are stationed across the city. The presence is most felt in Central Tehran which has been the most visible site of protests in the past six months.

6:10 GMT

CNN published a new report about last night’s protest in Jamran: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/12/26/nr.iran.protests.cnn

6:00 GMT

No news yet from inside Iran. Massive protests are expected today. Today is the 10 day of Moharram, the day Imam Hossein and his followers were massacred by an army sent by Yazid I of the Ummawwid Dynasty in Karbala. The Green Movement has called for massive protests on today because millions are expected to march across Iran to mourn the death of Hossein. Today is also the 7th day of mourning for the death of Ayatollah Montazeri.