(If you wish to read my liveblog of June 12′s events, please CLICK HERE)
The people of Iran today yet again proved that intimidation, imprisonment, torture, rapes, shootings and deaths were not going to deter them from continuing to oppose the Islamic Republic’s brutality and unjust policies. In that sense, it was a clear victory for the Green Movement. They managed to land people on the streets on the day that they wanted and the government – even though it employed thousands of security forces – was unable to stop them. This is despite the fact that opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi had canceled the plans for the protest.
The reason behind this is most probably the fact that the protesters caught the government off-guard and showed incredible resilience. Instead of publicizing their intentions of protesting or declaring their routes of procession beforehand. They quietly let the government feel like they were not going to show up – but did.
Through my sources, I could fully confirm protests in the city of Tehran. I had only partial confirmation, however, of protests in Shiraz, Mashhad, Isfahan and Zahedan. There were six other cities where there were reports of protests. These include Tabriz, Sari, Kerman, Sanandaj, Ahvaz and Aryashahr, but I haven’t been able to confirm any of them, yet.
(Scroll down past the map to read the rest of the analysis)
Sari and Aryashahr are not indicated in the map but there locations have been marked in violet as well.
The government – no matter how surprised – did have the manpower to put up a resistance, though.
In Tehran today, people took to streets after 4 in the afternoon and protests were held in different parts of the city. The students of Tehran University staged a gathering and anti-government slogans as well as the popular slogan, “the student dies; but does not accept humiliation!” Security forces clashed with them and arrested at least six students – injuring many more in the process. Tear gas was fired at protesters, and there were unconfirmed reports of shots being fired, but no injuries were reported from gunshot wounds. Students were injured, though, when they were beaten with batons, kicked and punched by riot police and plainclothesmen who had surrounded the campus.
A second group of protesters tried to converge from different parts of Tehran upon the university to try and break the siege, but security forces managed to hold them back by blocking major streets with thousands of policemen, riot police and plainclothesmen.
Other groups formed at Valiasr Square where at least three were arrested and several were injured in clashes with security forces. Tear gas was used here as well as Vanak Square where more protesters had gathered. Clashes took place there too, but no reports of arrests could be confirmed as of yet. People chanted “Death to the Dictator” and “Death to Khamenei”. At the same time, students at Sharif University gathered inside their campus and chanted “Ya Hossein; Mir Hossein” and “Allah o Akbar”, but were prevented from coming out by security forces.
By far the bloodiest clashes took place in Enghelab Square. The square as well as its adjoining streets was filled by at least 5,000 members of Iran’s security forces. At least 12 protesters were detained here. People also managed to gather in Taleghani Square, Palestine Square, Ferdowsi Square, Hafez Bridge, near Laleh Park, Argentine Park and other areas.
There were reports of arrests near Laleh Park and from other areas, but so far, the confirmed number of arrests stands at 21. The number is almost certainly higher than this. Some sources have claimed the number to be over 100.
Due to the small numbers of videos available, the estimated number of protesters is anyone’s guess. However, it looks like today the streets had at least 10,000 security forces patrolling them – this number I can confirm. I cannot confirm any deaths or anyone getting shot. This is a better development since in the past few protests there have been casualties on the protesters’ side.
There were two unconfirmed reports that merit a mention. The first one claimed that shots were heard from the government-owned broadcasting agency IRIB and that several of its staff members were held hostage by security forces inside the building. The second report claimed that some protesters had managed to break into security forces’ vehicles and managed to take their helmets and other equipment. These are yet to be confirmed.
As far as other cities go, reports are few and far between. However, reliable sources in Tehran and these cities managed to smuggle the news of protests out. There are no videos of protests in these cities so far, but in the next few hours, there probably will be.
Considering the fact that the Iranian government had amassed an army of security personnel to stop protesters from gathering, today’s events are a clear sign that the government is failing as it had failed in the past to quell the uprising. Whether the future holds more victories for the government or the Green Movement is as yet uncertain. But protesters returning from gatherings in Tehran were very optimistic and cheerful. Some indicated on blogs that it was a “great day” while others called it; “the day I learned that we really are countless.”
From all this, one thing looks certain, though,: the successful protests despite the government’s pressure is surely going to give a strong morale boost to the Green Movement and likely make another dent in the cracking walls of the Islamic Republic.
(If you are looking for videos of the protest, please CLICK HERE)
As protests slowly end and people go home for the night, chants of Allah of Akbar can be heard from rooftops. I have released an preliminary analysis of today’s events. If you don’t want to read the entire liveblog, then you can CLICK HEREto simply read that.
(In case you are searching for videos, you can find them by clicking HERE)
1820 GMT
People today in Tehran again chanted against Khamenei. The most important one was, “Death to Khamenei!” People are still walking together – hand in hand – on sidewalks and side streets, chanting and holding victory signs. Cars in Tehran are honking everywhere. The government of Islamic Republic of Iran has failed to stop the opposition.
1810 GMT
Headline of the Day goes to Voice of America with their story “Opposition Refuses to Give Up“. Los Angeles Times and CNN as well as many other MSM outlets covered the protest in a surprising twist.
Clashes can now be confirmed to have taken place in Palestine Square.
1750 GMT
Protests continue in Tehran University at least. Police are trying to disperse people, but so far, students have held their ground. Security forces are also on Enghelab Square and have lined Enghelab Avenue. People seem cheerful and happy about today in Tehran.
At the same time, now I can partially confirm protests in Mashhad.
1735 GMT
A new video of clashes in Tehran University showing hundreds fleeing as they are attacked by security forces. Click HERE if you can’t see the video below.
1725 GMT
One protester – back from protesting – writes: “Today was great. It was better than we expected. (Let us revive our slogan of ‘We Are Countless!’”
Another story on Balatarin.com speaks of a young man being rescued between Visal and Enghelab from security forces by the protesters. The story also claims that arrests were made near Laleh Park.
1712 GMT
Reports of Clashes between security forces and Sharif Industrial University students. This cannot be fully confirmed. At the same time, masked plainclothesmen are reportedly entering crowds and arresting protesters. There are clashes ongoing in different parts of Tehran. Traffic is jammed. Shops are being forcibly closed by security forces and people are being forced to go home, but hey turn right back and join more crowds.
How long this might continue is anybody’s guess. I’m sure Flynt and Hillary Mann Leverett are working hard on doing some damage control for the Islamic Republic as as you’re reading this.
1655 GMT
Reza Sayah of CNN reporting that he can confirm clashes in several parts of Tehran. He also retold the story of a woman who was saved from arrest by security forces by crowds of people out to protest against the Iranian government.
1650 GMT
People have been beaten again in Tehran – that should be no surprise. However, surprising is the fact that we have not had any deaths so far, even though there were far too many people with guns in their hands. Students in Tehran University have bore the brunt of batons, kicks and tear gas so far.
People… are still out in Iran. The Green Movement it seems is alive and well.
1635 GMT
So far, I can confirm at least 21 arrests in Tehran. 12 people were arrested in Enghelab Square, 6 around Tehran University and 3 at Valiasr square. The number is possibly much higher. Injuries have been reported, however, no deaths so far.
1625 GMT
Security forces are using paintball guns to shoot protesters. This helps them identify and arrest protesters later. This has only been reported from Tehran so far. Large crowds still out. In Valiasr, reports indicate that people have fought back security forces for hours. Several have been arrested and many others have been injured.
Tehran University is still the scene of clashes. Enghelab Square is the same. More reports of arrests from there, but confirmation is not at hand. People sticking to the streets and refusing to go home.
1600 GMT
And now I have reports of unconfirmed protests in Tabriz, Sanandaj and Ahvaz. I already have unconfirmed reports of protests from Shiraz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Zahedan, Sari, Kerman and Aryashahr and many other places. Tehran is bustling with thousands of protesters and thousands of security forces trying to control them.
There are reports that security forces have entered IRIB and held some of the personnel hostage, yet I cannot confirm this yet.
1550 GMT
Unconfirmed reports are coming from Mashhad now. Reports claim that people have attempted to gather and protest, but have met with stiff resistance from security forces. I cannot confirm this at this point, however, this add another city to the unconfirmed category. Right now, unconfirmed protests are being reported from Shiraz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Sari, Aryashar, Zahedan and Sari.
1540 GMT
Several injuries have been Tehran and can be confirmed. So far, no one has been reported to have been killed during clashes. Hoping this one goes down peacefully. Any doubts about the Green Movement by the mainstream media seem to have been cleared now.
1530 GMT
There are reports that gunshots have been heard from IRIB (Iran’s government–run broadcasting agency) and security forces have surrounded it. There are now reports of clashes from Taleghani and Ferdowsi Squares. Enghelab Avenue has been blocked. Students in Tehran University are asking people to come and help them, but security forces are blocking routes and preventing people from joining students at Tehran University.
1525 GMT
Unconfirmed reports of protests from Sari, Aryashahr and Zahedan. There are reports that in Moalem Square in Sari, in clashes, at least three people have been injured. Awaiting confirmation on all of these so far.
1520 GMT
There are now unconfirmed reports of people in Kerman gathering in the city’s Azadi Square. Waiting for further confirmation.
1515 GMT
There are unconfirmed reports of protests in Isfahan now. Sources claim that people are walking from Enghelab Street to Darvazehye Davlat. I cannot confirm this yet. Protests in Shiraz are also unconfirmed at this point. So far, only protests in Tehran can be unquestionably confirmed.
1510 GMT
Radio Farda reports that at least 5,000 security forces have gathered in and around Enghelab Square. They speak of clashes between people and security forces in different parts of Tehran and confirms that people continue to pour into the streets of Tehran.
The report also confirms the use of tear gas in Tehran University and clashes there.
1500 GMT
More reports are coming in about tear gas use by security forces. Confirmation of tear gas use in Amirabad is now at hand as well. More and more people showing up. Claims of hundreds of people gathering in different areas at a time. Eventual numbers could be in thousands overall, but we’ll have to wait and see. So far, I can confirm that several people have been arrested. Exact number is anybody’s guess right now.
14:50 GMT
Reports indicate that people are trying to get to Tehran University to stop security forces from arresting and torturing students, but have so far been unsuccessful. Throngs of people are marching through Enghelab Street.
14:41 GMT
Several sources are claiming that several gunshots have been heard in Tehran. Other sources claim that central Tehran is at a virtual standstill. In other news from Mashhad City, security forces have filled the streets there too. There are partially confirmed reports of tear gas use on Tehran University students. More in a minute.
1435 GMT
Protesters in Tehran University are chanting “Death to Dictator” and “Allah o Akbar” while protesters in Sharif Industrial University are using “Ya Hossein; Mir Hossein” to encourage each other. There are further reports of clashes in Central Tehran.
At least three people have been arrested from Valiasr Square. Clashes are ongoing there and in Tehran University. Sharif Industrial University has been surrounded by security forces.
Unconfirmed reports of protests in Shiraz are just coming in.
1425 GMT
First video of the day that shows protesters – students of Sharif Industrial University. I cannot confirm the veracity of the footage, at the moment. Click HERE if you cannot see the video below.
1405 GMT
Number of security forces out in Tehran are in the thousands now. Many areas are so crowded with security forces, it looks impossible for anyone to pass through. Enghelab to Azadi Square is filled with security forces who are intimidating people. Others are waiting in mosques and schools.
1400 GMT
Enghelab Square, Azadi Squares and Enghelab Street to Palestine street are being patrolled by security forces, attempting to intimidate people. Clashes continue in Tehran University. Basijis have reportedly been hidden inside mosques so they could be used when needed. Dozens of them are around Tehran University right now and stopping people from gathering. Several people may have been arrested. Vanak Square is also said to be a tense spot where people are attempting to gather.
More sources coming out and confirming more news. Will update shortly on more comprehensive news in 15 minutes. Unconfirmed reports of security forces using tear gas in Amirabad are also coming in.
1350 GMT
So far, the most reliable sources confirm that people have indeed gathered at Tehran University and are protesting and chanting. Security forces are trying to disperse people from the university and attempting to stop others from gathering there.
From there onwards, sources seem to clash on where else there are protests. There are renewed claims that there are people gathering at Hafez Bridge and that people are still coming out.
I can now fully confirm the Tehran University protest at this moment. And no, I cannot at all confirm helicopters flying over Tehran. At the same time, I can fully confirm that there will be protests in Shiraz in over an hour’s time.
1335 GMT
Sharif Industrial University is reportedly surrounded by security forces. Reports also claim that people are gathering in Vanak, Enghelab and Valiasr Squares. Situation in Tehran University is tense as clashes have broken out between greens and the security forces.Security forces are now out and attempting to stop people from gathering.
I still cannot fully confirm this, but my sources have always been reliable. More in a minute.
1328 GMT
Reports from EPersian Radio and other sources indicate that there are clashes in Tehran University. There are Green Movement chants from TU as well as Sharif Industrial University. People have decided to show up! And totally reliable information suggests that protests in Shiraz will begin at 1400 GMT.
1322 GMT
I can now partially confirm that people – mainly students – have gathered in large numbers inside Tehran University. There are also reports of clashes and police trying to disperse students from the university. There are also reports now that people are attempting to gather at Vanak Square and Valiasr Square. Need full confirmation for all of this, but sources are insisting and have been mostly right in the past.
1312 GMT
Reports coming from EPersian Radio – a source in California that has live podcasts and takes calls from inside Iran – and several other sources are claiming that people are slowly coming out of their houses to gather in Tehran to protest. everal callers suggested that they have seen people moving out of their houses in the south of Tehran and saying they are going to protest. At least one caller indicated that they were going out to protest after the call.
Others are calling and speaking of people gathering at Valiasr Square. I cannot fully confirm any of this for the moment.
Supposing this is true, there could be two reasons for the late showing. 1) People waited to get off work and finish school before readying for protests. 2) And a more sensible reason; it is summer in Iran. Tempratures in most of the country are in the 90s (high 30s if you are a Celsius person). Coming out after 4 in the afternoon helps people stay away from the heat. Plus, since its summer, they have at least four hours of daylight. In the winter, it was more sensible to come out at noon to use the heat of the sun.
1250 GMT
So far, I have no news of any protests or gatherings in Tehran or other cities in Iran. Internet was slow for a few hours, but seems to be back to normal in Tehran. Cell phone coverage also seems to be normal. However, the city did see a surge of security forces – which has been ever present since Saturday.
Furthermore, Mir Hossein Mousavi has not been arrested. Kalemeh has published a denial of this. At the same time, there were no protests outside Mousavi’s house. This was all supposedly spread by government-run websites.
I must remind readers that there are several MKO/PMOI accounts online as well as several misleading sources that are claiming that there were protests in Tehran as well as clashes and injuries etc. None of these can be confirmed at all. Overall consensus so far is that the Green Movement has stayed home and not come out to protest. I will be online for two more hours to see if there are protests in Tehran or other cities. If not, then this will be my last update of the day.
1210 GMT
First video of the day has been released. The several second video shot from a vehicle shows over half a dozen police cars and more than a dozens security forces lounging near Karim Khan Bridge in Tehran. Click HERE if you can’t see the video bel0w)
1155 GMT
Unconfirmed reports that there have been clashes in Tehran – under Hafez Bridgge to be exact – abound on Twitter. I and many other of my colleagues with real sources in Tehran cannot confirm this in the least bit. Please check sources to make sure what you’re being passed to is reliable.
More in a minute.
1120 GMT
First protest of the day has been reported – but it’s not the Green Movement. Dozens of retired workers from Pars Wagon company staged a protest in Arak for the 21st time this year. They demanded that the government-owned company give them their dues and ensure that their pensions are paid to them.
More in a minute.
1055 GMT
News from Tehran suggests that internet connection is now back to normal speed. At the same time, Mousavi’s website has denied news that he was arrested yesterday or that people staged demonstrations outside his house. His website Kalameh accused Iranian-government run websites for spreading the false rumor.
More in a minute.
0900 GMT
Internet in Tehran today is as fast as a snail on a warm day. Telephones so far seem to be working – at least in homes and offices. Still, because so many international sites are banned in Iran, it’s hard to hear from ordinary Iranians about their sentiment regarding the anniversary.
0836 GMT
So far, no gatherings – not by protesters, or by security forces. The capital seems calm. But security forces in Tehran are fully prepared to engage protesters, eyewitnesses claim. The city has received several hundred – perhaps thousands – of security forces to handle protests. None of them have been seen to leave the city so they are likely in the city, but waiting to see if protesters come out.
0800 GMT
So far, there is little indication that there are protests in Tehran or anywhere else in Iran. There are unconfirmed reports of people gathering, in the capital at least, but I can’t even partially confirm this. The Iranian government is using the occasion to show pictures of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on national TV to celebrate his ‘victory’ last year.
0744 GMT
Beware of fake videos claiming to be from Tehran today. A couple of ways to tell if videos are fake. 1) Check to see when the video was uploaded. If it says June 11 or before that, it is certainly a fake. 2) Check to see what the protesters are wearing in the video. If they are wearing jackets, jerseys or other warm clothes or if the sky over Tehran is cloudy, than it is certainly a fake. Weather in Tehran is 90 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 38 degrees celsius) – too hot for warm clothes.
0620 GMT
Two eye witness accounts as the morning progresses in Tehran. The first speaks of tightened security all around the capital. The government is seemingly fully prepared to clamp down on anyone who walks out to protests. Second eye-witness account is of security forces talking to bystanders and people on sidewalks and cautioning them not to gather today or they would be killed.
More in a minute.
0540 GMT
Today is the anniversary of Iran’s presidential election. The election – which was marred in scandal and was claimed to be rigged by the populace – sparked bloody protests that took the lives of hundreds of ordinary Iranians, imprisoned thousands and ended up in atrocities committed against Iranians by the government that is second only in its horror to outright genocide.
There have been candid calls for the Green Movement – comprised of disgruntled Iranians – to come to streets for the anniversary, but will they? I will be liveblogging the day even if there is no protest. Today needs to be marked, even if nothing happens at all. We – the people who actually give a damn about human rights in the world – must stand together, even if Iran’s voice might be silenced by the Mullahs. Let’s go!
The writing says, "Bahman (the eleventh month of the Iranian calendar) - You are the media"
6:40 PM (Tehran Time)
I will stop liveblogging now. There are still reports of small protests in Tehran and other cities, but people are largely returning home. Here’s a brief summary of the day’s events in Iran:
I can so far confirm green protests in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Ahvaz. I can partially confirm a protest in Tabriz. I cannot say anything about numbers, but violence broke out in every city where I can confirm a protest. Dozens were arrested in Tehran – possibly hundreds. 100 people were arrested in Mashhad and about two dozen were arrested in Shiraz and Isfahan respectively.
Oppostion leaders:
Mousavi: Attended, but forced to leave.
Rahnavard: Was attacked, forced to leave.
Karroubi: Attacked, forced to leave.
Khatami: Attacked, forced to leave.
Video of the day:
I will write a more complete report in a few hours. Good night and good luck, until then.
6:33 PM (Tehran Time)
Mir Hossein Mousavi attempted to take part in the protests in Tehran today. He was on Azadi Avenue, headed towards Azadi Square when security forces intercepted and surrounded him near the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs. He was forced to return home.
Dr. Zahra Rahnavard, Mousavi’s wife, was attacked in Tehran today as well as she joined green protesters. She was beaten with batons and kicked by security forces even though pro-green protesters tried to protect her by surrounding her. She left the protest for home soon after.
6:23 PM (Tehran Time)
Protester being beaten in Tehran by riot police:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kSBWG2rBV8
6:12 PM (Tehran Time)
As reports of clashes from Tehran continue to arrive, there are more reports of the number of arrests in the city. According to reliable sources, dozens have been arrested in Tehran, however, the real number might be in the hundreds. So far, people continue to stay on the streets of Tehran and are chanting anti-government slogans.
There are no real number of casualties from the streets in Tehran. There are reports of brutal clashes from many parts of the city, though.
4:41 PM (Tehran Time)
Part of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech in Azadi Square:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Wv1tiaiC4
4:30 PM (Tehran Time)
Another very interesting video from Tehran has arrived. Protesters are shown kicking and tearing a picture of Khamenei and chanting, “Death to the Dictator”:
4:15 PM (Tehran Time)
Two new videos of Greens in Tehran from Jaras:
In the second video, you can hear the loudspeakers broadcasting passionate speeches about the Islamic Revolution:
4:08 PM (Tehran Time)
Reports coming out of Iran are very scarce today indeed. However, it has been reported that the security forces’ treatment of green supporters has been one of the most bloody in the past few months. Enduring America reports that, [In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Hossein Karroubi declared, “I witnessed the most brutal treatment of people in the past eight months today."]
Here is a video of tear gas and smoke in Tehran amidst the protesters:
4:06 PM (Tehran Time)
A reported video from Isfahan of the protests and government rallies:
4:00 PM (Tehran Time)
In Mashhad, security forces have arrested at least 100 people from different parts of the city who were taking part in protests in support of the Green Movement. Clashes were mainly centered around Taghi-abad Square where people wanted to gather. Security forces tried to beat people and prevent them from forming crowds.
3:56 PM (Tehran Time)
In Tehran, clashes have now also been reported from the northern part of the city. According to reliable reports, people were beaten and several were arrested at Vanak Square. This adds to dozens who have already been arrested from Tehran. Clashes were also reported from Kargare Shomali Avenue.
There were also reports that near Laleh Park, security forces shot at people with paint guns so they could later be identified and arrested.
3:44 PM (Tehran Time)
In Shiraz, at least twenty people were arrested after taking part in protests in support of the Green Movement. There were injuries or deaths reported, however, small clashes are said to have taken place between security forces and protesters.
3:34 PM (Tehran Time)
In Ahvaz, people marched through Salman Farsi Avenue towards Abadan Square. People also marched from Hosseiniyae Azam through Taleghani Avenue towards Naderi Square. They are chanting “Death to the Dictator”. Security forces have blocked Behbahani Boulevard and are preventing people’s movement. Scattered groups are also protesting in other parts of the city.
3:30 PM (Tehran Time)
Protests in Isfahan can now be confirmed. Thousands of people reportedly gathered in the city in support of the Green Movement. People mostly gathered on both sides of Si o Se Pol. People chanted ‘Allah o Akbar’ and ‘Ya Hossein; Mir Hossein’. Clashes were reported from Isfahan. Tear gas was also used and security forces fired shots in the air in order to try and disperse the crowds.
At least five people were reportedly arrested.
3:24 PM (Tehran Time)
People throwing stones at Basijis and chanting “Death to the Dictator”:
3:07 PM (Tehran Time)
Video of Basijis attacking people in Tehran:
1:10 PM (Tehran Time)
Another video from the Metro in Tehran:
1:07 PM (Tehran Time)
New video from protests at Vesal Street in Tehran:
1:00 PM (Tehran Time)
Reformist news site Jaras reports that Rafsanjani joined the rallies in Tehran. Likely, he joined the government-sponsored rallies. People reportedly chanted, “Hashemi, Hashemi; insight, insight”.
12:50 PM (Tehran Time)
Another video from today in Tehran in a metro station:
12:47 PM (Tehran Time)
Another video from today in Tehran. This time from inside a bus:
12:33 PM (Tehran Time)
First video of the day from Metro Station in Sadeghie. People are chanting “Referendum, Referendum; this is people’s slogan”:
12:30 PM (Tehran Time)
It has now been confirmed that Karroubi’s son and bodyguards were arrested, but bodyguards were later released by security forces in Tehran. Karroubi’s son Ali has been released too now.
12:22 PM (Tehran Time)
Here is a map of where the protests are taking place in Tehran right now: http://twitpic.com/12jjew
12:18 PM (Tehran Time)
Here’s an impromptu translation of Ahmadinejad’s full speech in Tehran from today. As usual, he just blames the rest of the world for everything: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/8b41g
12:15 PM (Tehran Time)
There are now unconfirmed reports of a protest in clashes in Shiraz.
12:10 PM (Tehran Time)
There are reports that thousands of people have gathered in Isfahan in support of the green movement. This can be confirmed through at least two sources.
12:00 PM (Tehran Time)
Reports confirm that security forces shot at people at Aryashahr/Sadeghie a short while ago. There are no reports on the casualties.
11:54 AM (Tehran Time)
Multiple sources have now confirmed that Reza Khatami and his wife Zahra Ishraghi – who is Imam Khomeini’s grand daughter – were released after a brief detention. Full confirmation is going to come in a short while.
11:30 AM (Tehran Time)
Multiple sources have now confirmed that former President Mohammad Khatami’s brother, Reza Khatami, and Reza’s wife Zahra Isghraghi have been arrested.
11:23 AM (Tehran Time)
Reports now indicate that after the attacks, both Karroubi and Khatami have gone home. However, in disturbing news, several people have been arrested in Tehran. Among the people arrested is Karroubi’s son, Ali Karroubi. This has been confirmed by several sources now.
11:18 AM (Tehran Time)
There are now reports that Khatami’s car was attacked by security forces in Tehran. So far, there is little to confirm this. Details coming in.
11:12 AM (Tehran Time)
Karroubi’s son has confirmed the attack on his father’s car in Sadeghie. In other news, former President Mohammad Khatami also joined the celebrations of 22 Bahman – not the protests – according to Parlemaan News, which is considered close to the reformist leader.
10:53 AM (Tehran Time)
Reliable sources confirm that opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi has been injured. Reportedly, his head was bleeding as he was rushed out of Azadi Square by his entourage. (Read below for further information regarding the attack on Karroubi.)
10:50 AM (Tehran Time)
A reliable source reports that there are now clashes in both Sadeghie and Enghelab Squares. According to the source, tear gas has been liberally used by the security forces at Enghelab Square in Tehran. The air around that part of the city is still filled with the gas and protesters have been beaten.
10:44 AM (Tehran Time)
Confirmation of a very important development is at hand. Reportedly, Mehdi Karroubi’s car was attacked as he arrived in Sadeghie in Tehran. The windows of his car were broken, he was beaten and had to flee. Several reliable sources have confirmed this. In other reports, people are chanting “Marg bar Dictator” (Down with the Dictator) in Azadi Square, Tehran.
10:34 AM (Tehran Time)
IRIB shows supposed video of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Azadi Square. Notice how the audio has been turned off:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0P629e7vGk
10:28 AM (Tehran Time)
It has now been confirmed by several reliable sources that Ahmadinejad is at Azadi Square in Tehran indeed. Although, there is no footage available showing Iran’s president there.
10:21 AM (Tehran Time)
Apparently the government-run media in Iran is showing doctored from previous public gatherings in order to block out green protesters from the TV screen. Here’s a purported video from IRIB:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLJ8eMFyxHs
10:03 AM (Tehran Time)
There are reports that clashes have begun between security forces and protesters in Central Tehran – mainly in Sadeghie, where Mehdi Karroubi is expected to arrive within a short while. This could not be confirmed through other sources yet. There are now also reports that there have been clashes at Azadi Square in Central Tehran.
9:54 AM (Tehran Time)
Balatarin.com reports that internet access in Tehran has become extremely slow. So far there are no videos, pictures or audio of protests inside Iran. There are new reports that people have started chanting at Azadi Square.
9:36 AM (Tehran Time)
Opposition websites report that Basijis have gathered in different parts of Tehran to stop protesters and disperse them. Reports add that hundreds have gathered in Kargare Shomali Avenue, Amirabad Avenue and in front of the IRIB – the main government-run broadcasting service. PressTV also confirms riot trucks being deployed in Tehran.
9:24 AM (Tehran Time)
There are more reports that protesters have gathered in Tabriz. I can so far not confirm this fully. There are also unconfirmed reports that the Iranian government-run media is not showing live footage of today’s commemoration of the revolution ceremonies. This is possibly because there are too many protesters and the government does not wish to show that to the general populace, especially in the villages. Also reports that some protesters have started taking down loudspeakers installed on street lights poles to broadcast government speeches. This could not be confirmed yet.
A video of those loudspeakers in Tehran:
9:20 AM (Tehran Time)
More sources are confirming now that people have started to converge upon the central part of Tehran. The numbers are as expected much higher than the expectation of the government. In some areas, there are already more people than security available to control or disperse them. Crowds have already gathered at Azadi Square and more are supposedly headed towards the other main squares in the city.
9:17 AM (Tehran Time)
Crowds in Tehran are slowly coming out. People are generally headed in the direction of the central part of the city which has seen protests in the past. People are reportedly also gathering at Sadeghie Square where opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi has said he will join the crowds. So far, there is no news whether he will indeed join the protesters. There is also no confirmation whether Mir Hossein Mousavi – the main opposition leader – or former President Mohammad Khatami will be joining the protesters.
9:12 AM (Tehran Time)
Tehran – especially the central part of the city – is slowly being packed by security forces. According to partially confirmed reports, riot trucks have also started to arrive in the central part of the city where most of the protesters are expected to gather.
9:07 AM (Tehran Time)
EPersian Radio, a private radio operating from the United States, has the first substantial news of the day. According to EPersian, people have already started to gather on the streets of Central Tabriz. This could not be immediately confirmed through our other sources. According to EPersian, people are chanting, “Today is the day of blood; Yazid will be overthrown”.
7:00 AM (Tehran Time)
Iran is commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that changed the shape of the country and brought in an oppressive theocratic regime – headed by conservative Shi’ite clerics. The opposition Green Movement has planned massive protests for today throughout the country. I’ll be liveblogging the events starting in a little over an hour from now.
The only news coming in at this point is that Tehran and other parts of the country are currently under tight security by the police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. People have not showed up yet because it is too early in the morning. Protesters should start coming out onto streets in a couple of hours. I will be updating and tweeting simultaneously as the protests happen through the day.
