Iran: Heavy security deployment in Tehran on day of protest
On International Women’s Day, Tehran’s streets are reportedly filled with security forces preventing people from gathering for anti-government protests.
Since midday, security forces have been deployed in various corners of the city scattering people and preventing them from forming protests gatherings.
Women’s rights activists announced two days ago their intention to stage demonstrations on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
In their announcement, they maintained that alongside their civil demands, they will also express support for the release of opposition leaders MirHosein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and their wives Zahra Rahnavard and Fatemeh Karroubi who have been put under house arrest for over two weeks.
The rally call was also echoed by the Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope, the umbrella group speaking for the opposition leaders since they have been cut off from public contact.
Kaleme cites eyewitness reports of gatherings near Enghelab Square and the use of tear gas by security forces. The opposition website also reported hundreds of protesters gathering in Mother Square.
International media are completely barred from covering strt protests and state media completely ignores any street presence by protesters.
Eyewitness reports made to Zamaneh indicate that security forces have become “highly aggressive” and while large crowds of people are reported in the streets, they are being prevented from joining in protest.
Jaras website also reports that heavy presence of security forces in Mashhad streets has prevented people from gathering into groups even in the sidewalks.
