The continuing struggle in Iran

On the 40th day marking the murder of Neda Agha Soltan and others who were slain, tens of thousands of Iranians came out in Tehran to mourn and protest in a bold and creative display of people's power. Despite scorching 100 degree heat and the ban on public gatherings and road closures set up by the police leading to Beheshteh Zahra mega cemetery, people were determined to get there.  They came early, by metro, taxi, on foot, and even in wheelchairs for a 4:00 PM event.  Many were turned away. The security forces, too, were present in full gear and ready to battle, prompting the gathering crowd to chant, "We are children of war, fight and we'll fight back."

While Neda's mother was barred from attending, the mother of another slain youth had this to say: "Our children died in the name of freedom. Those who killed them were cowards." People were chanting, "Neda is not dead, the government is dead," and "Referendum, Referendum, this is our demand." Then they started chanting against the "supreme leader" and for his overthrow. Basiji forces, using tear gas, batons and even live ammunition, attacked the demonstrators, wounding and arresting many. All this is captured on video. You can see it on: http://www.youtube.com/user/onlymehdi#play/uploads/70/Spft7nJhT94.

This event was to be followed by a rally at Tehran's Grand Mosalla Center. The government denied a permit for it but people came regardless. The area resembled an occupied military zone. Streets were closed, helicopters hovered overhead, and tear gas was in the air. And yet this turned out to be the most successful display of public opposition lasting late into the night, and even then, only moved to the rooftops. As one eyewitness said: "I saw a look in many people's faces that I had not seen since the week after the election; a look that said 'we can win this.'" Amidst the beatings, people were holding their ground and chanting, "Down with this hypocritical government!"

The movement is constantly evolving and adapting, both to find an open venue to protest and to thwart the security apparatus. Thus, instead of a single location, demonstrations were widespread throughout the city. They stretched the security forces thin from the cemetery, an hour's drive south to the center of the city. In a slogan, reminiscent of the 1979 Revolution, but adapted for today, people were calling for "Independence, Freedom, Iranian Republic." Moreover, protests were nationwide and held simultaneously in Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashad, Rasht, Ahwaz, Arak and other cities. 

--Raha

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