These days Iranians are making their presence felt in the streets of Tehran. Reports say that police have fired tear gas and water cannon to the protestors who are openly defying the government. Witnesses claimed some marchers were beaten with batons or metal pipes and heard protesters also shout "Death to Khamenei!" Photo by REUTERS/Farhad Rajabali.
Tehran University was also cordoned off by police. It is the oldest and largest university in Tehran. But not as old as my alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas. It was officially opened in 1934.
This is the most serious presence in the streets of Tehran, specially, around the Revolution Square, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tehran is the largest city in the Middle East with a population around 7 million. The city dates back 6000BC and has rich historical and religious sites of mosques, churches and synagogues.
The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had already warned of a bloodshed. Tehran Province Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan had said, "Police forces will crack down on any gathering or protest rally which are being planned by some people."
Reports say that the streets also are marked by the presence of police and plainclothes security personnel, plus fire trucks. Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi have continued to increase their presence, calling for the government cancel the results of the recent June 12 elections which declared victory for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Photo by REUTERS/Farhad Rajabali.
Opposition leader Mousavi , who served was prime minister during the 1980s, says he won. But many feel he is after the collapse of the Islamic system? A statement on his website says “He and his supporters were not seeking to confront their "brothers" among Iran's security forces or the "sacred system" that preserves the country's freedom and independence. Photo shows Mousavi speaking before a crowd. Courtesy of AP.
President Barack Obama has also urged Iranian leaders to halt "all violent and unjust actions against its own people." “The United States stands by all who seek to exercise" the universal rights to assembly and free speech,” says Obama. Please note there is little news coverage coming out of Tehran and protestors are using technology and Internet sites like Tweeter to get news out of the country.
Let us hope and pray that what is happening in Tehran doesn’t end up like Tianamen. People’s right to a peaceful assembly and free speech is an inherent right for all human beings, irregardless of country or culture.
Will this presence in the streets of Tehran lead to people power?
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