The Latest from Iran (5 August): The Inauguration

NEW Video: The Inauguration Protests (5 August)
Translation: Ayatollah Montazeri’s Response to Tehran Trials
Iran’s American Detainee: The Case of Kian Tajbakhsh
The Latest from Iran (4 August): A Day Between Protests

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2300 GMT: Ayatollahs Sanei and Bayat Zanjani have echoed Ayatollah Montazeri's statements denouncing the trials held last Saturday.

2200 GMT: A third journalist working for the Etemade Melli newspaper has been arrested. Mehdi Yazdani Khorram, the editor of the literature and art section, was arrested by plainsclothes officers at 2030 GMT.

2130 GMT: An important clarrification. Although Rafsanjani is scheduled to deliver a sermon at next week's Friday prayers, it is far from clear that he will take up this opportunity. It should be remembered that Rafsanjani turned down several opportunities to speak at Friday prayers before his last appearance on June 17.

1725 GMT: The resumption of the Tehran trials, scheduled for tomorrow, has been delayed until Saturday. The reason is unclear.

1715 GMT: Even the choice of Ayatollah Emami Kashani, a "conservative" cleric, to lead this Friday's prayers is far from a firm guarantee of support for the President and the regime. In  a sermon at Jamkaran Mosque, the ayatollah admitted, "The brightness of velayat-e-faqih (supreme leadership) has diminished....[Since the supreme leadership can not solve the problems of the country] may you [Mahdi, the 12'th Imam] reemerge and solve the country's problems."

1700 GMT: Friday's prayers will be led by Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani. That, however, is just a preliminary to the big news:  next week's will be led by Hashemi Rafsanjani.

1450 GMT: A summary of today before we return to our vacation. Riz Khan of Al Jazeera posted a question which, for Riz Khan, is remarkably ill-phrased: "As Mahmoud Ahmadinejad takes his oath, Will Iran again spiral into another cycle of violent demonstrations?"

The issue, as demonstrated again today, is not another ominous spiral into violence. Gatherings today, which persisted despite the state's attempt to close down visible opposition to the inauguration, continue to express clear concerns and demands (and, notably, without violence). Ahmadinejad's speech, which has already faded into a lack of significance, does nothing to check those concerns.

So the inauguration in fact becomes a sideshow, one boycotted by some politicians and attended by others with ill humour. With the Tehran trial resuming tomorrow, and more importantly with opposition politicians and clerics renewing their challenge, we'll get back to serious business.

1448 GMT: Mir Hossein Mousavi has posted a statement on his website declaring:

These hectic trials just reflect the deep problem which exists in our country. It is definitely not a source of pride to publicly expose such personalities in a mass trial. We made a [Islamic revolution in 1979] revolution so that trials were against criminals. We wanted trials with lawyers, trials with rights for the defendants, trials where the judge acts independently and trials which make the people feel justice prevailing.

Mousavi again denied any links between the opposition and foreign countries, asserting that the problem was an attempt to limit political views: "We have to learn to face other standpoints, listen to what they say, elaborate our own viewpoints and pay attention to their elaborations as well."

1445 GMT: The Islamic society of  engineers, of which Ahmadinejad is a former member, has sent a letter to Ayatollah Rafsanjani. The head of the society, Seyyed Hasan Sobhani-nia, commented that "This letter asks about recent events and Ayatollah Rafsanjani's position regarding them. This letter also states the concerns and worries that this society has regarding the future of individuals attached to the revolution who have played a crucial role in its formation. The society has requested Mr. Rafsanjani to clarify his position regarding these recent events."  The society had previously sent a letter to Ahmadinejad, which Enduring America also posted, asking for his own clarrification.

1440 GMT: A Twitter activist has created a Google map showing the locations of protests across the capital today.

1430 GMT: Gooya. com are reporting that "tens of thousands" of security forces were out on Tehran streets today, especially near Parliament building. Shops in the area were closed.

1415 GMT: The lawyer for detained politicians Behzad Nabavi, Mostafa Tajzadeh, and Mohsen Mirdamadi says he will not attend tomorrow's trial because it is illegal.

1355 GMT: Another Arrested Journalist. In addition to last night's seizure of Mir Hamid Hassanzadeh, the head of Ghalam News, Reza Nourbakhsh, the chief editor of the newspaper Farhikhtegan, was arrested. His office was searched, and some material was taken. 

1330 GMT: Reports that women's rights activist Haleh Sahabiwas arrested in Baharestan Square today.

0800 GMT: BBC World is leading with the story of Ahmadinejad's inauguration. The footage is telling: there is a distinct lack of enthusiasm amongst members of Parliament.

The BBC also has some images of protest outside the Parliament building.

The analysis is not as useful. Jon Leyne, expelled from Iran earlier in the crisis, is saying, somewhat bizarrely, that "most" of the President's speech was directed "at the outside world".

0645 GMT: It appears that the pattern of protest will be repeated today. Instead of a mass gathering, which will be disrupted if not prevented by security forces, there will be a number of "flash" gatherings across Tehran. We'll be back later to give a full assessment.

0627 GMT: More on the "boycott" in Parliament (see 0612). Parleman News revises its report: 57 of the 70 members of the Imam Khomeini Line walked out as Ahmadinejad started his speech.

0616 GMT: Mehdi Karroubi, in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais says that he and Mousavi will never work with Ahmadinejad's Cabinet and that protests will continue. Karroubi said:

We do not want to destroy the government; however, we criticise the actions of the government and we have no intention to help this government....The reality is that the majority of the people do not accept the methodologies and language of Mr. Ahmadinejad. We consider this government to be illegitimate.

0615 GMT: Kazem Jalali, the head of the special Parliamentary committee investigating the conditions of detainees, has resigned, and there are reports that other committee members have quit. No official reasons for the resignations have been given, but there is speculation that the lack of cooperation from judiciary and security officals may be a key factor.

0612 GMT: Parleman News reports only 242 of the 290 members of Parliament attended the inauguration. This suggests that all 46 "reformist" MPs stayed away.

0608 GMT: There is heavy Twitter chatter of protesters demonstrating at the main Tehran Bazaar, effectively trying to shut it down. Cellphone service has reportedly been cut off in central Tehran.

0600 GMT: Even as Ahmadinejad was speaking, the text scroll on the screen announced the next battle within the Establishment. The President has two weeks to assemble the names of proposed Cabinet Ministers and put them before Parliament. Given the furour over his recent choice of First Vice President Esfandiar Rahim-Mashai and his effective takeover of the Ministry of Intelligence, that will not be an easy process.

0555 GMT: Live coverage by Press TV English is available. They are assessing Ahmadinejad's speech, which made claims to "social justice".

0545 GMT: Opposition activists are pointing to images inside the Parliament of empty seats, which would indicate that (as on Monday, when the Supreme Leader confirmed Ahmadinejad) many have stayed away from the ceremony, and of growing demonstrations elsewhere in Tehran.

Morning Update (0535 GMT): Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been inaugurated as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran for a second term, despite a disputed election result almost eight weeks ago.

The President was not deterred by such questions in his acceptance speech, claiming the mandate of 25 million votes (even the suspect official tally gave him "only" 23 million).

Reuters is reporting a demonstration of "hundreds" in Baharestan Square in front of the Iranian Parliament building.

Comments

[Einige Meldungen zur Inaugurat]

[...] v. der Osten-Sacken Ahmedinejad wurde gerade vor dem Parlament als neuer Präsident bestätigt. Enduringamerica hat einige Meldungen [...]

[florence Achard]

What about Robert Gibbs' statement? I was looking forward to your comments...
I don't understand; so disappointing!

[Amy]

florence,
Me too. At best maybe it's some arcane diplomacy phraseology, but I really don't get it. I wrote them a "WTF???" message (well, maybe somewhat nicer wording). Here's the http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/" rel="nofollow">White House "Contact Us" page, it interested

[whereismyvote]

I too wrote to the white house but expect to get no reply. Many interests, Obama conviction, Israel and others have decided to rally against the green wave. America in its quest for a nuclear deal has become blind to the long term impact of the green wave. It feels that a deal stroked with the weak Tehran government is in its interest. Make no mistake, the chants of by by Obama and death to America could be heard today. Support and recognition of the AN government will not stop the green wave, it will further radicalize it against America. When we win, USA will find itself on the wrong side of history again. As 30 years ago, supporting deposed dictators gets you nowhere....

[Edward Yeranian]

I watched the first televised sequence of the inauguration on IRINN, and the subsequent ones. In the first, they did a quick pan of the MPs and many seats appeared to be empty. In subsequent news bulletins they've shown a full house. Is one to assume, fairly, that they're playing tricks and showing old file footage of parliament debates?
Edward

[Scott Lucas]

Edward,

My best guess is that IRINN may now be showing footage of the house before the 57 members of Imam Khomeini Line faction walked out at beginning of Ahmadinejad's speech.

S.

[Amy]

re. Empty seats:
Filled seats may not mean what they used to...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/04/iran-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-swearing-in" rel="nofollow">Stars fill gaps at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's swearing-in ceremony

[Scott Lucas]

EDIT- Just realised I am still logged on as Scott- as have been updating the site whilst he is on holiday. This is Chris Emery.

I profoundly disagree with those who feel that Obama is going "against the Green Movement."

1. The Obama administration said all along that regardless of what government emerged after the election, it would have to deal with who ever was in power.

2. The Green Movement has not asked for Obama's support and would not benefit from it. Quite the contrary, it would have a major negative impact on their legitimacy and would make life much more difficult for those currently on trial- charged with, amongst other things, having links with foreign powers.

If you wanted a US govt to piggy back onto an Iranian crisis, you are 8 months too late.

Chris Emery

[whereismyvote]

Chris:
No one is asking the US administration to meddle, however by stating that Mr. Ahmadinejad is the elected president of Iran, the US has legitimized the criminal acts of the government and credited the AN government when it has no credit. They could just state that the election is disputed and that they do not have enough facts to know whether it is legitimate or not, hence they reserve the right to do nothing. This is the truth as is on the ground.

To think that you will engage irrelevant of the facts on the ground whom ever is in power is somewhat also naive. Since the last 6 weeks everything has changed. To assume also that engagement of the illegitimate government and signing the deal with it has any meaning is foolish. The first act that the Green wave will do upon taking office in 10 to 12 month time is to revoke all agreements laws and acts conducted by the AN illegitimate government. The green movement does not want or ask for the help of the west, but that does not mean go and help AN government under the pretence of non involvement in internal affairs. The green wave does not need to legitimise itself. It has the support of the nation and the majority of Marja behind it. This makes it legitimate in the eye of god and man.

The fact remains that the west is hoping to get a quick deal from the weak government in Tehran. This is not going to happen.

[Amy]

Chris & whereismyvote,
I strongly agree with Chris that the US government must stay out of it for the reasons he stated. I was upset about the "elected president" statement. The only way I can understand it is in the context of diplomacy. My knowledge is very limited, but I believe it helps the Green Movement if Western govts continue pressing the Iranian regime on the nuclear issue.

The Obama admin had a strategy in place before the election. If the US govt delays because of Iran’s internal issues, we give the regime the luxury of time to concentrate on eliminating the opposition before turning to face us. Maybe I’m naive but it seems like only the Iranian regime would benefit.

The regime insists it is the legitimate government of Iran. Therefore our policy has to be carried out in relation to that govt. It responded to Obama’s overtures by blowing them off.

Now the regime is embroiled in internal conflict. But it’s a real world. International concern about the nuclear program is genuine, whether it’s well founded or not. If the govt has to attend to external issues when it really wants time to destroy its opposition, how terribly unfortunate.

I have no idea what the next step is, but delaying it won’t make it’s consequences any easier on the people of Iran. The delay would just mean they get clubbed first.

(I posted part of the above before...plz forgive)

[whereismyvote]

Emami Khashani as a strict follower of the superstitious Imam Mehdi line, that was banned by Khomeini for their superstitious beliefs and far reaching interpolations. He has even questioned the enlightenment and comprehensive ability of the Velayateh Fagih.. It is bemusing at first, however further look reveals the cracks of the conservative camp, that even amongst the supporters of Ahmadinejad, there is sure a tension between Khamanei and the Mahdi clan, lead by Yazdi and followed by AN government.
The cracks are now fissures between the green wave and the conservatives, but the cracks amongst the conservatives is all to amusing to see.
I will wait for the Rafsanjani sermon, but I think the events may move faster than Rafsanjani wants by 10 days time. In 10 days we will be in middle of Ramadan, and the green wave will use every religious event to stage protests. The Friday prey event may be superseded by the events on the ground. It will however be great to have another prey like the last one. That event truly gave second wind to the green wave at a time that we all felt down and under.

[Amy]

whereismyvote,
Who chooses the person to lead Friday prayers? It's hard to imagine that the regime would tolerate Rafsanjani doing it again... can the decision be overruled or is it untouchable?

I hope you are right that momentun will keep building in the meantime

[whereismyvote]

There are four vice leaders of Friday prey and they take turns (sequentially) they are appointed by Supreme leader. Since Tehran is too critical, it has never had a main friday prey leader, as other cities in Iran do. If Khamanei conducts the prey then the next in line has to go next, in other words, Khamanei can dismiss Rafsanjani outsight, or attend in his place, but either way, there is a rotation at play.

By the way, if not confusing enough, this all is based on tradition and there is no set rule by the way. However the tradition was set into motion by Khomeini and followed by Khamanei for over 30 years now. It would be a major event to change it.

In 2003 when the Friday prey leader of Isfahan resigned as a show of protest to Khamanei and his leadership, it was a major event. It will be like throwing petrol on fire for Khamanei to dismiss Rafsanjani.

w.r.t. white house, I see today the following statement:

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE57441U20090805

It is great and very encouraging to hear this correction by Obama

[Amy]

whereismyvote,
Thanks for the link. I feel much better now. Was hoping it was that kind of mistake... it just made no sense. The article quotes Gibbs as saying, "I denoted that Mr. Ahmadinejad was the elected leader of Iran. I would say that's not for me to pass judgment on." White House Press Secretaries have to watch every word they say, & this time Gibbs spoke, I think, without clearing it with Obama. He must have gotten an ear-full when he went back to the Oval Office. About letters to the White House, we may never get a reply, but I think they get the message

[Scott Lucas]

STILL CHRIS- System now won't let me log out!

WIMV/Amy,

I'm afraid that A'jad IS the legally elected president. The fact that many Iranians feel his govt is illegitimate is a seperate matter. The US, and indeed Iran, has relations with many countries that are considered illegitimate by many of its citizens (or in many cases subjects).

What is more, the Iranians would simply ask the US to provide proof of electoral fraud. We all may believe it, but frankly there isn't anything we could call proof. There was likely degrees of electoral fraud in every Iranian election- we cannot call it out now because this time we don't like the result.

WIMF, what is naive is to bury your head in the sand and pretend that America doesn't have to deal the current president.

Believe me, the west does NOT think it can get 'quick' deal with the new govt. On the contrary, most think that all deals are off until Iran sorts its domestic conflicts out. The idea that recognising that A'jad is the current president of Iran is an act of political opportunism is ludicrous.

Frankly, the West can have no impact on Iranian politics right now. This is a dynamic that is almost entirely impervious to outside influence. The Green Movement, in my opinion, doesn't need or care what the West thinks about A'jad- they, as you say, believe in their cause and believe in their domestic support. Nor does A'jad, as he made clear today, care what the West thinks about his electoral victory.

If US statements can have an impact- it is negative. That would be by overtly alligning its interests with the reform movement.

What you are basically saying is that the US should take engagement off the table until A'jad is no longer president. That is a hopeless strategy that will have no benefit to the Green Movement's agenda and no benefit to Western interests- which have no changed following the crisis.

Amy,

I'm not so sure how pressure on the nuclear issue helps the reform movement- as I said before, I don't think the West can have a major influence in the realisation of their agenda. Plus, there was no real policy difference between any of the candidates on the nuclear issue. Plus, sanctions or threats have done little to help reformists thus far- quite the opposite. I also fail to see what this has to do with Gibb's statement?

I agree with the rest of your excellent points.

p.s. I believe that there is rota for friday prayers is drawn up. It is simply Raf's turn- but I agree that we should believe it when we see it.

Chris

[Frank Glodek]

8 Essential Demands and Ideas for some Non-Violent tactics

DEMANDS

1. Ahmadinejad’s ouster and new elections would have sufficed on June 12 but no longer. Otherwise, elections would be routinely sabotaged by the Supreme Leader if reformers won.

2. An end to all censorship an show trials and release of all political prisoners.

3. Torturers and Ayatollah Mesbah Yadzi (who issued a fatwa justifying rigged elections) must be punished.

4. Abolition of the Guardian Council (discredited) and the Basilj (hated)

5. Judicial reform (habeus corpus, open public trials with impartial juries and defense attorneys, etc.)

6. Replacement of brutal Republican Guard leaders with more humane officials and an end to the Guard’s economic monopolies.

7. A public apology by the Supreme Leader for all government crimes carried out under his watch--including the murder of thousands of intellectuals and opposition leaders prior to Ahmadinejad’s arrival.

8. Elimination of the Supreme Leader’s position or a vast reduction in his powers.

TACTICS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN”T GIVEN UP

1. Economics: A sullen population can make the economy drag endleslessly by work slowdowns, sits-ins,sickouts and general strikes. Do not shop in any store or business containing a photo of Ahmadinejad or the Supreme Leader. Never buy anything from known basilj or Ahmadinejad supporters.

2. Individual Protest: Dress in black (for mourning) and green every day until demands are met. If possible wear buttons with photos of Neda or other martyrs, including show trial vicims. Replace photos of Khamenei in your homes and businesses with martyr photos. Otherwise, use the former for dartboards.

3. Widespread Graffiti: This tactic is only for the most brave.

4. A unique election day vote: What is superior to a simple boycott and mass demonstrations which the basilj can handle? Dress entirely in green and stand outside in front of your homes or businesse the entire day. Let everyone see you and let the regime try to club away this display.

CHOICES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN UP ALL HOPE

Mass Emigration: No regime can continue to drive its brightest and mosr talented abroad forever without consequences. If you can't afford plane tickets, consider a pilgrimage to Iraq and stay there. If protesters organized a "Mass Emigration Day" it would embarrass this tyrannical regime further. If emigration is blocked and you see no prospect of hope, consider the next alternative.

Public Suicide As Protest: At present Khamenei’s thugs enjoy the advantage of murdering you privately and at leisure with prolonged torture. If this regime is going to kill you anyway, psychologically or physically, or if you feel reform, revolution and hope is decades or if emigration is not possible, why not borrow an effective tactic from Iran’s Buddhist monks, who set themselves afire in protest, and make this horrific regime pay as you take the only exit left? The option of "suicide by cop" might help others by undermine morale among those who do Khamenei‘s killing.

[Amy]

Chris,
Before Gibbs retracted his statement, I was trying to figure out why he might say what he said. I was speculating that maybe it was some kind of diplomacy-speak related to efforts to negotiate. Fortunately that question now is moot.

I fully accept that I could be wrong about proceeding with the nuclear agenda. I didn't mean that continuing to press the issue would help the Green Movement *directly*. I think that if Western governments back off because of internal unrest in Iran, then the regime can concentrate fully on suppressing the protests. I was trying to say that continuing the process already in motion would benefit the opposition bec the govt would have to focus substantial time & energy on something besides destroying the Green Movement