Tehran police chief Azizollah Rajabzadeh announced the arrest of 204 'rioters and individuals attempting to hold an illegal gathering' in Tehran during the rallies yesterday. Mr. Rajabzadeh should review the Islamic Republic's Constitution, article 27: 'Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.' He told reporters today, 'The police will be stationed in the area around Tehran University over the nex few days to prevent any gatherings or unrest.'
Zahra Rahnavard, opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi's wife, was assaulted with pepper spray by a group of 'Basiji sisters' yesterday, according to Mousavi's news site, Kalemeh. 'A group of individuals calling themselves Basiji sisters followed Zahra Rahnavard around Tehran University yesterday,' reported Kalemeh, thereby confirming Rahnavard's presence there. 'They followed the university guards' car as they escorted Mrs. Rahnavard out of the campus. Towards the middle of Vesal Street, they sprayed pepper gas into Rahnavard's face from a distance of 20 to 25 centimeters which resulted in her shortness of breath and temporary loss of sight. Residents and merchants in the area rushed to her aid.
State media and news outlets close to the regime took another page out of the perfect tyrant's handbook as they published photos of arrested student leader Majid Tavakoli in women's clothes. The regime's mouthpieces claimed that Tavakoli attempted to escape arrest by disguising himself as a woman after he was cornered in Amir Kabir University. According to Fars news, close to the Revolutionary Guards, Majid Tavakoli 'felt he was in danger after witnessing the strong presence of pro-Islamic Revolution students and prepared to escape from the university with makeup and women's clothes.' It goes without saying that this blog will not post Tavakoli's photo. Instead, the photo to the right shows the protest at Amir Kabir University. The tiny group of people holding up signs on the bottom right-hand corner of the shot are the Basijis who apparently instilled such fear in Tavakoli, who has already experienced prison because of his activism.
Clashes broke out in Tehran University today, Tuesday, between students and pro-regime 'students.'
A student gets help from fellow students after being pepper-sprayed:
Confusion and screams as clashes break out:
Fire lit inside Tehran University building to counter effects of tear gas:
'Ahmadi didn't get enough votes, he's brought Shaban Bimokh!' (NB Shaban 'Bimokh' (brainless) Jafari was a thug who led gangs that beat up opponents of the Shah at the time of the 1953 coup d'état.)
Footage from other parts of Iran continues to come in. This one shows Chamran University in Ahvaz, purportedly yesterday:
Freedom of the press took another hit today as Hayateh Now newspaper was shut down and the editor of Ayandeh news site was indicted for 'insulting the president.' It is interesting to note that Hayateh Now's publisher is Hadi Khamenei, brother of Leader Ali Khamenei. Hadi, the black sheep of the family, already had a run-in with the law several years ago when his newspaper was shut down because of a cartoon that was deemed insulting to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
For the full story of Mir Hossein Mousavi's confrontation with planclothesmen surrounding the Academy of Arts today, please go to this separate article.
Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi personally confronted a group of 30 to 40 plainclothesmen on motorcycles who were preventing his car from leaving the Academy of Arts on Tuesday morning, December 8, according to a news site close to the presidential candidate.
It should be pointed out that the term 'plainclothesman' or lebass shakhsi does not refer to police officers in civilian clothes. The regime's security and intelligence apparatus consists of a large number of different groups and organizations which may overlap. Though sometimes used to describe Basijis, 'plainclothesman' can be more precisely defined as a security or intelligence agent usually linked to the intelligence unit of the Revolutionary Guards.
Mousavi, a painter and architect, has run the Iranian Academy of Arts (Farhangestan Honar) and has had offices there since 1999. The academy grounds are situated on Vali Asr Street, near Tehran University and almost across the street from the back entrance of Amir Kabir University.
On November 4, the anniversary of the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran and another day of mass rallies against the regime, Mousavi had been prevented from leaving the academy's grounds and joining the protesters by a similar group of goons.
But this morning Mousavi had apparently had enough.
Plainclothesmen on motorcycles intended to stop Mr. Mousavi from leaving his office by gathering in front of the Academy of Arts.
According to Kalemeh's journalist, when Mir Hossein Mousavi's car attempted to leave the academy this morning, it was blocked by a group of plainclothesmen on motorcycles.
This group of motorcyclists, consisting of 30 to 40 individuals, had been present around the academy since yesterday afternoon.
When this group of plainclothesmen prevented Mr. Mousavi's car from leaving the academy's parking lot today, the Imam's beloved prime minister (NB Mousavi was prime minister from 1981 to 1989, under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic and referred to as the Imam) got out of the car and approached the motorcyclists. This occurred as the motorcyclists chanted slogans against the Imam's beloved prime minister.
Mir Hossein Mousavi who was upset that similar incidents had taken place in the past, went among the plainclothesmen and told them: 'You are on duty. Carry out your duty. Kill me, beat me, threaten me.'
The comments of the Imam's beloved prime minister shamed the plainclothesmen who dispersed.
Without identifying himself, Kalemeh's journalist approached one of the motorcyclists and asked him the reason for their actions. The individual responded, We've been assigned the task of obstructing Mousavi's movements.
The bodyguards of the Imam's beloved prime minister insisted that he return inside the grounds, as the motorcyclists milled and drove around the academy.
[...]
The report was completed with the following update:
News update - Urgent - Plainclothesmen have retreated from the perimeter of the Academy of Arts
Kalemeh's journalist reports that the plainclothesmen on motorcycles, who had been present around the Academy of Arts since yesterday and prevented Mr. Mousavi from leaving his office this morning, have been forced to retreat from the entrance of the academy.
Mr. Mousavi has left his office at the academy, according to the latest news.
That's it for today. I'll try to present a more detailed picture of today's protests through eyewitness accounts, footage, and photos tomorrow.
4:45 PM GMT - 8:15 PM Tehran time Rasht
First footage purportedly from today in Gilan University:
4:30 PM GMT - 8:00 PM Tehran time Kermanshah
First footage purportedly from today in Kermanshah University:
Caller to BBC Persian: All these dates and ceremonies that the Islamic Republic has stuffed into Iran's calendar have become a thorn in the regime's side. I guarantee that there will be another occasion very soon for us to protest once again.
Callers from Isfahan, Yazd, Ilam, and Tabriz describe widespread protests against the government.
4:00 PM GMT - 7:30 PM Tehran time
The following are accounts by callers and e-mailers on BBC Persian's 'Your Turn' program.
Mehran from Tehran: They bused Basijis into Tehran University and they were given loudspeakers. I didn't see anyone get arrested, but I saw some students getting beaten up.
Ramin in Tehran: The Basijis were even more violent than on November 4. I saw a girl being dragged on the ground in Amir Kabir University by the Basijis.
Nahid in Tehran: The people were supporting the students, even though the security forces showed particular violence. I was on a bus when they threw a tear gas canister into the vehicle. The bus driver had to open the doors so we could get out. There was so much tear gas that even some police officers asked us for cigarettes so they could use the smoke to counter the tear gas.
Massoud in Mazandaran: The plainclothesmen attacked Sari University, where I study. We'll fight to the last drop of our blood for freedom. The people outside the university were supporting us. I heard from a friend at Rasht University that it was the same situation over there. I've had my share of being beaten with batons and I'm not afraid any more. We have no hope. We're just studying to keep busy.
Email from a student from Sanandaj University: The university was in turmoil today. We'll continue fighting for our rights.
Email from Ahvaz: It was like martial law. Every group of even two or three people was attacked by security forces.
Email from Shiraz: Young and old, man and woman, were beaten. We'll keep coming, even if they might kill us.
3:45 PM GMT - 7:15 PM Tehran time Tehran
To be fair and balanced, here's a photo of Basijis at Tehran University (looks more like 6.3% than 63%. Please compare to previous footage of the large number of protesters singing 'Yareh Dabestani Man' at Tehran University.):
3:30 PM GMT - 7:00 PM Tehran time Hamedan
Disturbing reports of vicious attacks on students at Hamedan's Bou Ali Sina University. Gooya News writes that several students were seriously injured, including a young man who was thrown out of an upstairs window by Basijis. The young man had been transferred to a hospital.
Tehran
Photo of protest at Science and Research Azad University:
Isfahan:
3:00 PM GMT - 6:30 PM Tehran time
Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi called for talks with those who protest the results of the elections. 'After all, there are 13 or 14 million of them, and they're citizens of this country too,' he said. Makarem Shirazi was referring to the 'official results' of the presidential election which claimed Mousavi had garnered about 14 million votes (less than 37%).
Isfahan
Demonstrators in the streets of Isfahan:
Tehran
'Death to Khamenei!':
2:45 PM GMT - 6:15 PM Tehran time Tehran
A rock-strewn street in Tehran, purportedly earlier today, as protesters shout 'Khamenei is a murderer, his guardianship is annulled!':
And the same message on another street:
2:30 PM GMT - 6:00 PM Tehran time Mashhad
More footage purportedly from Mashhad earlier today:
Tehran
Caller on ePersian Radio: I'm on Vali Asr and people are still arriving.
Various reports claim that Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter, Faezeh Hashemi, was arrested at the Science and Research University. This footage purports to show Faezeh Hashemi at a demonstration today:
Science and Technology students shouting through the fence atthe security forces - 'Get lost paid lackeys!' and 'Death to the dictator!':
Purportedly on Jomhouri Street earlier today:
2:15 PM GMT - 5:45 PM Tehran time Tehran
Tehran is so unequivocally in turmoil that even sites close to the regime have to admit something is going on. Tabnak reported an hour ago that protests were taking place at Science and Research University (Elm-o Tahghighat), Science and Industry University (Elm-o Sanat), and Sharif University. Minutes ago, Tabnak reported that shots had been fired into the air on Enghelab Street and that tear gas had been employed on Vali Asr Square and Vali Asr Street. Tabnak belongs to former IRGC commander and presidential candidate Mohsen Rezai.
Caller to ePersian Radio: The security forces are dismayed and exhausted. Only 30% of security forces are cracking down on the people. The rest aren't doing anything. You should see the energy and courage of the women. If only a few more people join us, we can take over Enghelab Street. Tell people to join us.
Amir Kabir University student leader Majid Tavakoli was arrested minutes ago when he left the campus. Tavakoli was released from prison on June 3, after his second stint in Evin.
Photos of plainclothes regime goons arresting a protester near Enghelab Street:
1:45 PM GMT - 5:15 PM Tehran time Tehran
Very heavy traffic is reported in Tehran. The opposition planned to bring traffic to a standstill at 5 PM and had called on protesters to simply come out into the streets with their cars.
Photos posted by the Jonbesheh Raheh Sabz (Green Path Movement) show police working alongside club-wielding plainclothesmen and Basijis, some very young, as they throw rocks at opposition protesters in streets near Tehran University:
1:30 PM GMT - 5:00 PM Tehran time Kerman
First footage coming in from Kerman University:
Tehran
Footage showing Amir Kabir students breaking the locked university gate, as was reported previously in this blog:
First footage coming from Khajeh Nassir Tousi University:
Bardia, reporter for ePersian Radio, on-site in Tehran: I'm near Enghelab Square. When I reported for you on November 4 (NB Anniversary of the takeover of the US embassy, when opposition protesters exploited the official ceremonies to stage mass rallies), the demonstrations petered out around 2:30 PM. But now, it's almost 5 PM, and the protests are still going on. They're beating the people, but the protesters aren't leaving. I even think that a few individuals were killed. I saw some people lying on the ground, other protesters surrounding them, but the demonstrations are still going on.
1:10 PM GMT - 4:40 PM Tehran time Tehran
Footage of the large number of students at Tehran University singing the protest anthem 'Yareh Dabestani Man':
Footage purportedly showing elderly lady as she recovers after being beaten by security forces:
Amir Kabir University students wave money at Basijis because they are paid lackeys:
12:40 PM GMT - 4:10 PM Tehran time
ePersian Radio has been struck off the Hotbird satellite by electrical interference, making it impossible for Iranians to listen to the programs, according to ePersian reports which can still be heard on the Internet.
Isfahan
First footage coming in from Isfahan University:
Tehran
'Salute to the protesting students':
Footage of Elm-o Sanat University... 'We are women and men of war, fight and we'll fight back!'
12:30 PM GMT - 4:00 PM Tehran time Tehran
Tabnak news, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezai's news site, confirms that 'plainclothesmen entered Amir Kabir University and broke windows.'
The Islamic Republic News Agency has finally reported that clashes have broken out between protesters ('rioters') and security forces in the streets around Tehran University.
The following footage purports to be from today. Of note: Protesters in T-shirts may mean the video is from earlier this year, however I have not seen this footage before:
12:10 PM GMT - 3:40 PM Tehran time Tehran
Protesters are fighting back in several locations around Tehran: Ferdowsi Square, Vali Asr Street, Enghelab Street, 7th Tir Square. The security forces are countering protesters in 7th Tir Square with particular aggression.
This video is purportedly of Amir Kabir University at around 1:30 PM local time: Original Video- More videos at TinyPic
And other photos from Amir Kabir University. The neighboring Arts College entrance can be seen, with the words 'Mousavi' and a green 'V' spray-painted on it:
11:55 AM GMT - 3:25 PM Tehran time Tehran
Photo purporting to be from Elm-o Sanat University:
And Amir Kabir Polytechnic University:
11:40 AM GMT - 3:10 PM Tehran time Tehran
Plainclothesmen led a charge into Amir Kabir University and threw rocks at the students. But they quickly retreated. Unfortunately several students were injured in the attack.
Young woman to Radio Farda: Students who attempted to leave the university individually were arrested. I'm sorry, I have to run. They're attacking the people from the south, from Vali Asr Junction. We were told the demo would be from 10 AM to 5 PM, but this is going to go on until late into the night.
Young man to Radio Farda: The protesters have lit a trash can on fire to counter the tear gas. The sky is full of rocks being thrown from both sides.
Young man to Radio Farda: It's 1PM and I'm at Ferdowsi Square. The situation is much worse than I thought. Tehran has become an army barracks. The people are simply asking for their rights, but in front of us, there are people who do not refrain from using their batons, even against mothers. There are a lot of people 7th Tir Square, going towards Tehran University. This is a lose-lose situation for the regime. I just hope that a heavy toll is not imposed on the people.
11:20 AM GMT - 2:50 PM Tehran time Tehran
Tabnak, the news site of former Revolutionary Guards head and presidential candidate Mohsen Rezai, has published a report confirming the unprecedented security presence around Tehran's universities. The report, posted an hour ago, also speaks of heavy automobile traffic hours before the opposition's planned 5 PM attempt to bring traffic in the capital to a halt. 'On Enghelab Street, from Vali Asr Junction to Enghelab Square, heavy traffic has been reported. The police is attempting to alleviate the problem by directing cars into the bus lane,' Tabnak writes. Tabnak, still close to the regime, claims that there are no protests in universities or the streets.
11:05 AM GMT - 2:35 PM Tehran time Tehran
Ferdowsi Square and streets leading to it are the scenes of widespread clashes, according to a caller on ePersian Radio. Caller claims protesters are preparing Molotov cocktails to throw atthe security forces and their motorcycles.
Security forces are attacking protesters on Vali Asr Street, near gate of Amir Kabir Polytechnic University. A poster of Ahmadinejad was set on fire, according to university source, and tear gas was fired into the crowd. Regime goons broke into the university and started breaking windows.
Al Arabiya reports that Ferdowsi University in Mashhad is in chaos. Reporter says this is the beginning of the end for the regime.
New footage purporting to be from Amir Kabir University from much earlier today:
10:55 AM GMT - 2:25 PM Tehran time Tehran
Reports of very harsh skirmishes in Abou Reyhan Street near Tehran University. A Basij motorcycle was set on fire. A young woman is said to be leading the protesters, according to ePersian Radio.
Serious problems in mobile telephone and Internet services in Tehran.
10:40 AM GMT - 2:10 PM Tehran time Mashhad
Video purporting to be from Mashhad's Ferdowsi University earlier today. 'Basiji get lost!':
Tehran
Severe clashes reported on Jomhouri Street, between Hafez and Istanbul streets. Tear gas was fired into covered walkways and malls where protesters were taking refuge.
Al Arabiya reports that live rounds were fired in Palestine Street, near Tehran University.
Caller to ePersian Radio: I'm on 7th Tir Square. The girls are like judo fighters! You should see the girls, how they hit the plainclothesmen with sticks and stones and then run away! But they're getting beaten too.
10:30 AM GMT - 2:00 PM Tehran time Tehran
Bardia, ePersian radio reporter on site: I'm in front of Amir Kabir University. Massive number of security troops have moved into the street and are beating people mercilessly. They're really savagely pounding the people. I don't know how many people died today. I personally saw two ladies who were sprawled on the street.
10:25 AM GMT - 1:55 PM Tehran time Tehran
Footage purpoting to be of Basij motorcyclists rushing towards Tehran University:
Amir Kabir University gate has been broken, according to the university student organization's live blog.
10:15 AM GMT - 1:45 PM Tehran time Tehran
First videos purporting to be from Tehran University this morning. Of note: Flags are the Iranian tricolor without the seal of the Islamic Republic:
10:10 AM GMT - 1:40 PM Tehran time Tehran
First photos of Amir Kabir University coming in... The small group holding banners in the bottom right-hand corner of the photo are the Basijis. The rest are the anti-regime protesters.
10:00 AM GMT - 1:30 PM Tehran time Tehran
Crowd growing in Imam Hossein Square, according to several reports.
Fars news, close to the Revolutionary Guards, only reports that 2,000 pro-regime students are demonstrating at Tehran University and chanting 'Death to opponents of the Supreme Leader!' as they make their way to the university mosque.
9:50 AM GMT - 1:20 PM Tehran time Tehran
About 2,000 Amir Kabir students are facing off a group of about 200 plainclothesmen and a few Basij students at the main gate on Vali Asr Street, according to the university's live blog.
9:45 AM GMT - 1:15 PM Tehran time Isfahan
Reports of clashes between plainclothesmen and students at Najafabad Azad University in Isfahan.
9:40 AM GMT - 1:10 PM Tehran time Arak
Arak University students burned Ahmadinejad's photgraph, according to ePersian Radio.
Tehran
Tajrish Square, northern Tehran, is being blocked by security forces attempting to stop protesters from going downtown.
Caller to ePersian Radio: I live across from Tehran University and saw Dr. Zahra Rahnavard, Mousavi's wife, trying to get into Tehran University. She was repelled by the police.
Caller from 7th Square: (loud sounds of protesters chanting and cars honking incessantly) I'm on 7th Tir Square. I ran over from Ferdowsi Square. The people are chanting. I can't talk any longer.
9:30 AM GMT - 1:00 PM Tehran time Tehran
First footage coming from behind Sharif University's main gate. 'Poliseh zedeh shouresh, Ahmadi-ro beshouresh!' (Anti-riot police, go wash Ahmadi!)
9:25 AM GMT - 12:55 PM Tehran time Tabriz
Protest has started at Tabriz University while growing number of people outside the university are beaten by security forces as they try to approach the campus from Falakeh.
Tehran
Green kites are being flown inside Sharif University and can be seen by protesters outside the campus, according to Khabar online.
New important slogan: 'Mousavi bahanast, kolleh nezam neshounast!' (Mousavi is an excuse, the whole regime is the target!)
9:05 AM GMT - 12:35 PM Tehran time Shiraz
As heavy rain falls on the city: 'Natarsid, natarsid, ma hameh ba ham hastim!' (Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, we're all together!) Crowd growing in Mollah Sadra street and Danshjou Junction as regime goons attack the people.
Today's slogans:
'Khamanei bedouneh, bezoudi sarnegouneh!' (Khamanei should know that he will soon be overthrown!)
'Ghazeh-o Lobnan kaman, raftan soragheh Yaman!' (Gaza and Lebanon weren't enough, they've gone to Yemen!)
9:00 AM GMT - 12:30 PM Tehran time Tehran
Streets surrounding Ferdowsi Square are suddenly filling up with people all the way to Imam Hossein Square.
Live on ePersian Radio: Sounds of chanting on Ferdowsi square. Seconds later, the caller shouts, 'No, don't beat--' and is cut off.
8:50 AM GMT - 12:20 PM Tehran time Tehran
Caller to ePersian Radio: Students were shouting 'Death to the dictator! behind Tehran University gates. People in the street chanted in support of the students. Then Basiji motorcyclists carged the people who dispersed into the side streets. But they regroyuped minutes later. There are clashes near Amir Kabir University, north of Vali Asr Junction.
8:35 AM GMT - 12:05 PM Tehran time Tehran
Caller to ePersian Radio: I'm in front of the Enghelab Hotel on Takhteh Jamshid. The crowd is growing by the minute. On Vali Asr, they were beating the people in front of the City Theater. The Basijis on motorcycles would come onto the sidewalk and either shoot in the air or use some kind of firework with a loud bang.
8:30 AM GMT - 12:00 PM Tehran time Tehran
Several reports that the sound of 'Death to the dictator' can heard inside Sharif University.
Eyewitness to Mardomak: Demonstration in front of Leader Khamenei's representative office inside Shahid Beheshti University.
8:15 AM GMT - 11:45 AM Tehran time Tehran
Hassan, caller on ePersian Radio: People are clashing with the security forces in Enghelab (Revolution) Square. A large number of people have managed to make it here. Enghelab Square is in trumoil! Skirmishes on the side of Tehran University towards Foozieh.
Bardia, reporter for ePersian Radio: I'm at 24 Esfand Square (old name of Enghelab Square), going towards Vali Asr. They're beating the people. (to security forces) Don't beat them! Don't beat them! Okay, I'll leave. (to radio host) They fired into the air. The women are cursing the security troops. This is just a small part of the street that I'm talking about, but clashes are occurring all along Enghelab Street. (sounds of demonstrators chanting 'Political prisoners must be freed!' and 'Death to the dictator!') Yes, yes, I'm leaving. (Bardia's phone is cut.)
8:00 AM GMT - 11:30 AM Tehran time Tehran
A strange report in today's ultra-conservative Keyhan daily says that opposition leaders will seek to radicalize the student movement through 'student deaths' in today's protests. Regime covering its backside and blaming any deaths today on agents of the opposition?
7:45 AM GMT - 11:15 AM Tehran time Tehran
Reuters reports heavy police presence surrounding Tehran University.
Caller on ePersian Radio says mobile telephone service is disrupted. He is in the subway, which is particularly busy, and on his way to Tehran University.
7:30 AM GMT - 11:00 AM Tehran time Tehran
First photos of Tehran University this morning... As previously reported, white banners around Tehran University and security troops stationed every few meters around the campus perimeter:
7:15 AM GMT - 10:45 AM Tehran time Tehran
Security forces have set up barriers around Tehran University and white banners have been hoisted around the fences to prevent people from seeing inside the campus. The banners have slogans wishing Muslims a happy Eid Al-Ghadir.
Caller to ePersian Radio: I'm at Azadi Square now and there are thousands of security troops stationed along the streets. Main gate of Tehran University is closed and they're hiding the interior of the campus with banners.
Opposition web sites report plainclothesman, Basijis on motorcycles, regular police, in the thousands at Ferdowsi Square to Enghelab Square, Towhid Junction to Sharif University, Azadi Street. Passengers on Tehran buses were taking photos of the 'martial presence.' A bus driver said that Tehran transit drivers have been told that bus lines passing through the Enghelab-Azadi area may be closed today.
7:00 AM GMT - 10:30 AM Tehran time Tehran
Six routes planned for today's marches, starting at 3 PM in order to arrive at Tehran University at 5 PM:
1. Azadi Square - Enghelab Square - Tehran University
2. Sattar Khan - Tehran University
3. 7th Tir Square - Karim Khan Zand Street - Tehran University
4. University Street - North Kargar Street - Tehran University
5. Amir Kabir University - Vali Asr - Tehran University
6. Ferdowsi Square - Tehran University
Caller on ePersian Radio describes massive security presence already at Ferdowsi Square, preventing pedestrians from walking towards Tehran University.
6:30 AM GMT - 10:00 AM Tehran time Tehran
Strong security presence surrounding Tehran University, according to caller on ePersian Radio.
Last night
In anticipation of Student Day, Iranians had been called to shout from their rooftops. Here are a few videos from last nights chants... Tehran
Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, the new head of the Basij militia, shot the Tehran traffic control chief, Hojjatollah Behrouz, in the foot at a crisis meeting on Tuesday, December 1, according to opposition web sites.
The meeting had been called to prepare for opposition plans to bring Tehran automobile traffic to a halt on December 7, Student Day in Iran, at 5 PM. The opposition, particularly students, are expected to hold mass protests throughout the country on that day.
The Basij commander allegedly pulled out his sidearm during a heated exchange with Behrouz and shot him in the foot, according to an e-mail reproduced on opposition web sites. The e-mail purports to be from a journalist in a reformist newspaper. Some reports claim the journalist belongs to the editorial staff of Aftabeh Yazd daily and that the newspaper's editor-in-chief has decided not to publish the news in tomorrow's edition.
Senior IRGC officers and traffic control directors attended the emergency meeting held on Tuesday, according to a participant, to discuss ways to counter deliberate disruptions in Tehran's automobile traffic on December 7. Tempers rose when traffic control chief Behrouz apparently told Naghdi that it would be impossible to neutralize such efforts if they were widespread.
'This news has been reported through several channels [...] and it appears to be true,' said Mohsen Sazegara, a founder of the IRGC and currently a dissident in Washington, in his daily video address on Sunday (starts at 5:03 mark):
'At a meeting held at the traffic control center in Tehran's City hall, Mr. Hojjatollah Behrouz said that his office and Tehran's City Hall did not have the capability to control people who were planning to block traffic by coming out into the streets with their cars on December 7,' says Sazegara in the video. 'General Naghdi [...], with his corrupt record, apparently lost his temper and shot Mr. Behrouz in the foot and sent him to the hospital.'
Student activist Salman Sima was arrested outside his home in the early hours of November 4, 2009. Security agents had been lying in wait for the Azad University student who had stayed away from the apartment for several days.
The regime has been rounding up student activists and leaders in a desperate attempt to prevent widespread protests planned for December 7, Student Day in Iran. (NB Student Day in Iran is different from International Student Day which is on November 17. Student Day in Iran is December 7 -- 16th of the Iranian month of Azar -- and, while celebrating student activism in general, it is also a commemoration of the slaying of three Tehran University students by the Shah's police in 1953, shortly after the coup that brought the Shah back to power.)
Salman Sima is a member of the Advareh Tahkimeh Vahdat, the national alumni association. The Advar is an associate organization of the Daftareh Tahkimeh Vahdat, the Office to Consolidate Unity, which is Iran's largest student organization.
Sima spent 34 days in solitary confinement last year and was released on $60,000 bail in early August 2008. He had been arrested in early July 2008, prior to demonstrations marking the 9th anniversary of the student uprising and regime crackdown of July 9, 1999.
Sima graduated with a degree in industrial engineering from the Azad University - South Tehran Branch and is currently a graduate student in energy economics at Azad University - Central Tehran Branch. As an undergraduate student, he published Sokhaneh Tazeh (New Comment) newspaper which was subsequently banned. After organizing a December 7 ceremony in 2006, he was deprived of the right to study for two semesters and was forced to relocate to Azad University - Karaj. But in Karaj, he was instrumental in organizing another December 7 event in 2008, the only such ceremony in a university in Tehran province that year.
Sima's sister was interviewed by the Voice of America on December 2. The following is the video and translation of the interview:
VOA anchor Setareh Derkhshesh:
Over 15 students remain in detention in the days leading up to Student Day on Monday. Salman Sima is one of them. He was arrested because of his activities in Azad University. His family, who finally managed to see him 20 days after his arrest, said that he was beaten in prison to such a degree that his ribs were broken. Arash Sigarchi spoke to Saedeh Sima, his sister, by telephone.
Saedeh Sima:
...November, he was arrested in front of the house. Several people came upstairs with Salman and searched his room for an hour. They took a computer and several CDs. Whet we know, what they told us, is that he is in wing 209 of Evin prison.
Arash Sigarchi:
Why was he arrested?
Saedeh Sima:
There's no particular reason. The warrant cited acts against national security. But I think that Salman, like his friends who are in prison, is simply a freedom-seeker who has been active for the cause of liberty. In a country which is a dictatorship and whose government comes to power through a coup d'état, freedom-seekers and political activists who struggle for freedom have no place but prison. I hope that all political prisoners, particularly these students who have been arrested on the eve of December 7 (NB Student Day), are freed.
Arash Sigarchi:
Have you taken any legal steps and have these been effective?
Saedeh Sima:
Yes, we've taken many steps. We went to the Revolutionary Court... But they haven't given us any proper answers.
The Secrets of Khamenei's Life The secret life of Iran's Leader, Ali Khamanei, is exposed by former staff members of the Intelligence Ministry and his household in a fascinating article by internationally renowned filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf... (part 1)(part 2)(part 3) Humiliation even in death Detailed analysis of several videos shows the final moments of a protester run over by a car and the refusal of her body by a medical center... (more)
The banality of evil Shocking footage of a man being lashed in Iran reminds the viewer of what Hannah Arendt called the banality of evil... (more) Provisional list of 72 dead protesters Originally compiled by the opposition committee looking into the abuse and deaths of protesters, the list has been enhanced with photos, video footage, and commentary... (more)
Posts
