Iran: 150 Die in Saturday Election Protest

Image by .faramarz via Flickr

Three million people moved through the streets of Tehran slowly, progressively, methodically, chanting in unison "God is Great". The people filled the streets from side-to-side with no room for traffic of any kind. People as far as the eye can see. Miles of people. Peaceful and determined to be heard.

Amongst the peaceful throngs gunshots rang out, a passive demonstration shattered by policemen on motorcycles firing indiscriminately into the crowd. People running for their lives in every direction. Chaos everywhere.

150 people died today in Tehran doing what every government says their citizens have a right to do, demonstrate peacefully. It was peaceful until police began hitting citizens with wooden clubs, throwing tear-gas, and firing water-cannons at them from forcing the people to fall to the ground.

Considered as a civil rights movement rather than a revolution, the citizens of Tehran have learned first-hand that government denies any responsibility for acts against the people on the basis that any and all protests are defined as civil disobedience.

On this night the streets are empty, everyone having taken to the roof-tops and the city resounds with the voice of millions chanting "God is Great" from every direction. Iran's Supreme Leader blames "Zionist media" for the protests and demonstrations, in effect offending and negating the intellect of every Iranian.

If the government had agreeded to recount the votes the demonstrations might not have occurred, but the arrogance of government became the catalyst for chaos raising the issue of this Supreme Leaders exceptionally poor judgment.

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