One killed in Iran demonstrations
Clashes between Iranian police and tens of thousands of protesters wracked central Tehran today killing one person, as opposition supporters tried to evoke the spirit of Egypt's popular uprising.
The opposition called for a demonstration in solidarity with Egypt's revolt that forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign after nearly 30 years in office. The rally is the first major show of strength for Iran's cowed opposition in more than a year.
Police used tear gas against the protesters in central Tehran's Enghelab (Revolution) Square and in Imam Hossein Square, as well as in other nearby main streets. Demonstrators responded by setting bins on fire to protect themselves from the stinging white clouds.
The pro-government Fars News Agency reported that a bystander was shot dead at the hands of protesters.
Eyewitnesses said at least three protesters injured by bullets were taken to a hospital in central Tehran while dozens of others were taken to hospital with severe wounds as a result of being beaten.
"Death to the dictator," demonstrators chanted, directed at hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Security forces on motorcycles could also be seen chasing protesters through the streets, according to eyewitnesses.
Fars, which is linked to the Revolutionary Guard, Iran's most powerful military force, called protesters "hypocrites, monarchists, ruffians and seditionists," and ridiculed them for not chanting any slogans about Egypt as they had originally promised.
The agency added that an unspecified number of protesters were arrested and handed over to police and security officials.
Opposition website kaleme.com reported that similar rallies took place in the central city of Isfahan and Shiraz in the south. Security forces used force to disperse them as well.
Foreign media are banned from covering street protests in Iran.
Following the announcements by the opposition that they would attempt to hold a new rally in solidarity with the Egypt uprising, Iran's security forces cut phone lines and blockaded the home of an opposition leader in attempts to stop him attending the planned rally.
Police and militiamen poured on to the streets of Tehran to challenge the marches, which officials worry could turn into demonstrations against Iran's ruling system.
The security clampdown is reminiscent of the backlash that crushed a wave of massive protests after Mr Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election in June 2009. But opposition supporters revived a tactic from the unrest, shouting "Allahu Akbar", or God is Great, from rooftops and balconies into the early hours in a sign of defiance toward Iran's leadership.
Kaleme.com said police stationed several cars in front of the home of Mir Hossein Mousavi ahead of the demonstration in central Tehran.
Mr Mousavi and fellow opposition leader Mahdi Karroubi have been under house arrest since last week after they asked the government for permission to hold a rally on February 14 in support of the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.
On Sunday, the opposition renewed its call to supporters to rally, and accused the government of hypocrisy by voicing support for the Egyptian and Tunisian uprisings while refusing to allow Iranian political activists to stage a peaceful demonstration.
Across central Tehran, riot police, many on motorbikes, fanned out to prevent any demonstration, witnesses said.
The uprising in Egypt opened a rare chance for the political gambit by Iran's opposition.
Mr Ahmadinejad claimed the Egyptians who toppled Mr Mubarak took inspiration from Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which brought down a Western-backed monarchy. Iran's opposition movement used the comments to push the government into a corner and request permission to march in support of Egypt's protesters.
Iranian officials quickly back-pedalled and said no pro-Egypt rallies were allowed - bringing sharp criticism from the White House and others.
