Report Source:
International Campaign for Human Rights
in Iran
(4 November 2009) - Security forces and militia
used brutal force to disperse thousands of protesters on the streets of Tehran
and other cities today, resulting in a number of injuries and arrests, in
violation of international standards regarding the proportionate use of force
against peaceful demonstrations, according to the International Campaign for
Human Rights in Iran. The protests occurred parallel to officially
sanctioned demonstrations on the 30th anniversary of the takeover of
the United States Embassy in 1979.
Protests also took place in other cities,
including Shiraz, Rasht, and Tabriz. Many protesters were reportedly arrested
in Tabriz after security forces attacked demonstrators using pepper spray and
tear gas.
Basij militia were used to attack the protesters
Eyewitnesses have told the Campaign
that, despite an intense intimidation program aimed at stifling the
demonstrations by SMS threats promising prosecutions for taking part, and the
closure of metro stops to discourage gatherings, thousands of protesters
appeared at Hafte-e-Tir Square, Kargar Shomali, and other locations, and were
met by vast numbers of riot police backed up by quasi-official militiamen. The
presence of huge numbers of security and anti-riot forces and brutal attacks
were common in all reports by eyewitnesses.
Numerous demonstrators were arrested, including
Ali Mashmouli, Vahideh Movahed and other prominent persons. According to a
report by his son, security forces shot tear gas canisters directly at
opposition politician Mehdi Karoubi, seriously injuring his bodyguard who was
taken to a hospital. According to reports received by the Campaign,
live ammunition was used in shots fired over the heads of demonstrators.
The International Campaign for Human Rights
in Iran expressed its deep concern about the continuing and excessive use
of violence against peaceful demonstrators, and called for the immediate release
of detainees.
... Payvand News - 11/05/09 ... --
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