News

Iran protesters on streets again

November 05, 2009 Edition 1

Tehran

Iranian security forces beat anti-government protesters with batons and fired tear gas yesterday on the sidelines of state-sanctioned rallies to mark the 30th anniversary of the US Embassy take-over, witnesses and the state media reported. The counter-demonstrations were the opposition's first major show of force on the streets of Tehran since mid-September, that coincided with state-sponsored protests against Israel.

Witnesses said security forces - mainly paramilitary units from the elite Revolutionary Guard - swept through an opposition counter-demonstration in the city centre, clubbing, kicking and slapping protesters.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.

Media restrictions imposed after the disputed presidential elections in June limit journalists to covering state media and government-approved events, such as the rally outside the former embassy.

The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported that police also used tear gas to disperse protesters in other parts of the city.

The authorities appeared determined to avoid opposition rallies overshadowing the anniversary of the embassy take-over. They had warned protesters days in advance against attempts to disrupt or overshadow the annual gathering outside the former embassy, which was stormed by militants in 1979 in the turbulent months after the Islamic Revolution. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days.

Security forces fanned out around Tehran at daybreak after opposition leaders refused to call off appeals for counter-demonstrations.

Volunteer militiamen linked to the Revolutionary Guard patrolled the streets on motorcycles - a familiar sight during the unrest after the June elections.

Many marchers yesterday wore green scarves or wristbands that symbolised the campaign of Mir Housein Mousavi, who claims President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stole the election through fraud. Mousavi and his allies, including former President Mohammad Khatami, appeared to encourage opposition protesters to return to the streets. - Sapa-AP