Anti-Government Demonstrations in Tehran

Tehran. Ashura. 27 December 2009

Photos by kosoof.com, mardomak.com and BBC

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators gathered in Central Tehran today, chanting slogans against the leadership of the Islamic Republic. There are reports of four fatalities and shooting by the security forces on the streets of Tehran.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported that the “remnants of Mousavi cult” [the opposition] have created havoc in Tehran [IRNA, 27 December].

Commander of the Greater Tehran Police has denied reports that four demonstrators have been killed. Brig. Gen. Rajabzadeh told reporters that police forces were not carrying weapons today. The police chief’s denial came after photos of dead people on the streets of Tehran were widely circulated throughout Internet. The photos also show uniformed security officers shooting their pistols.