Iranian Protests Erupt Again

It's been 40 days since the violent clashes killed untold numbers of Iranians including Neda. This anniversary is a traditional day of mourning in Iranian culture and today's clashes centered around the cemetery where she is buried.

More than 1,000 opposition demonstrators clashed with riot police at Tehran's main cemetery Thursday as opposition leader Mir Hussein Mousavi tried to commemorate those killed in protests last month, including the 27-year-old Neda Agha Soltan, whose final moments were filmed and broadcast around the world.

Gunshots were reported around Vozara and Takth-e Tavous streets, Tehran's business district, with a witness reporting that at least one member of the Basij, Iran's voluntary militia, was firing into the air with a revolver. Riot police had cordoned off Agha Soltan's grave, which has become a point of pilgrimage for Mousavi supporters, who have formed a movement calling for the annulment of the June 12 presidential elections. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won that election in a landslide, according to official results, but opposition candidates say the vote was rigged.

When Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, another defeated candidate, arrived near the grave at Tehran's vast Behest-e Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran, hundreds of supporters swarmed their white sport-utility vehicle, witnesses reported.

Authorities had banned memorial services and apparently threatened Neda's family.

Bastards.

Sorry, does that constitute 'meddling' Mr. President?

More:

It’s NUTS! I’ve never seen it like this before! It’s still going on, 9 pm now — raging! As I said, its more like a riot, totally out of control.

Earlier: This appeared to be the most successful protests since the crackdown began. It was more akin to a riot… The forces were decidedly not in control of the situation. The protests were too widespread and numerous, up and down Valiasr; and east and west, around the Mosala area entire main roads chock full — even stretching into side streets such as Yousef Abad (central
Tehran).

posted by DrewM. at 12:42 PM

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