Source: Radio Zamaneh
Tehran Security authorities announced that
police forces have been deployed all across Tehran to ensure the security of the
city adding that the number of deployed forces will increase in the coming
hours. The heavy security measures are "a preventive act in anticipation of
disturbers of public peace and order in the events of the last Wednesday Eve of
the year," according to the authorities.
A poster by Iran's Green Opposition about Chaharshanbeh Souri
Yesterday the police department issued a
statement to warn that "offenders" will face harsh confrontation.
The deputy commander of the police force announced: "The police has no issues
with the events of the last Wednesday Eve of the year. Only those causing
disturbance for others" will be confronted.
The authorities urge people to celebrate the occasion only with their own family
and in front of their own door.
On the last Wednesday Eve of the Iranian year which begins on March 21, people
usually go out at sundown, light bonfires in their neighbourhood and leap over
it. Lines chanted during these activities call for the ill health and bad omens
of the passing year to burn in the fire and the strength and good health of the
fire to be carried into the New Year.
There have been reports that some of the recent election protesters have
announced that they intend to use the occasion to further express their protests
against the government which they claim has seized power through election fraud.
The police force in conjunction with the Revolutionary Guards and Basij Militia
has established a common headquarters in order to handle the possible unrest.
Motorcycle traffic is also restricted in the city today, according to Tehran
Police Department.
Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader said earlier that the events of the
last Wednesday Eve of the year cause "great harm and corruption."
The event called Chaharshanbeh Souri goes back to Iran's pagan history long
before the introduction of Islam in Iran. Iranians have observed the customs of
this occasion for close to four thousand years.
In addition to Tehran, Esfahan, Mashad Shiraz and other major cities are
experiencing a heavy deployment of security forces today.
Information about Norouz
and events across the globe
Persian New Year 1389
New Year, Norouz 1389 - 2010 Times
