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Monday, December 28, 2009

Iranian protests growing

According to various news accounts, the protests in Iran are more widespread and larger than those in the past.
Yesterday was a holy day in the country, but that didn't prevent Iranian officials from gunning down protesters.

From the New York Times:
Police officers in Iran opened fire into crowds of protesters on Sunday, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and opposition Web sites said, in a day of chaotic street battles that threatened to deepen the country’s civil unrest.

The protests, during the holiday commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, Shiite Islam’s holiest martyr, were the bloodiest and among the largest since the uprisings that followed the disputed presidential election last June, witnesses said.
One of those killed was the nephew of presidential candidate Mousavi, who was assassinated, according to witnesses:
Mr. Moussavi was first run over by a sport utility vehicle outside his home, Mr. Makhmalbaf wrote on his Web site. Five men then emerged from the car, and one of them shot Mr. Moussavi. Government officials took the body late Sunday and warned the family not to hold a funeral, Mr. Makhmalbaf wrote.
That murder has most likely turned Ali Mousavi into a martyr.
Mourning his death will precipitate another round of protests.

The Times also noted:
The turmoil revealed an opposition movement that is becoming bolder and more direct in its challenge to Iran’s governing authorities. Protesters deliberately blended their political message with the day’s religious one on Sunday, alternating anti-government slogans with ancient cries of mourning for Imam Hussein.
It appeared that the post-election turmoil was over. It is not.

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