The Latest from Iran (27 December): The Day of Ashura

2225 GMT: Karroubi Comments. Mehdi Karroubi has issued a statement offering condolences for today’s martyred protesters and condemning those carrying out oppression: “The sins that you have committed today cannot be forgiven by God. If you don’t have a belief in God, at least be a human.”

Karroubi offered a sharp comparison, asserting that even the Shah respected the day of Ashura and gave orders for people to be able to commemorate it as they wished..

2155 GMT: Closing and Wondering. As we get to the end of the day, a tentative assessment of the signficance, "A 5-Minute, 5-Point Reaction to The Events of Ashura". (For those who want to see what 24 hours can bring, see our analysis yesterday in Edward Yeranian's article for the Voice of America.)

2150 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz reports that the brother of Abdollah Nouri, Minister of Interior in the Rafsanjani and Khatami Governments, was severely beaten in Isfahan today.

NEW Iran: A 5-Minute, 5-Point Reaction to The Events of Ashura
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December — 3rd Set)
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December — 2nd Set)
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December)
NEW Iran: A Tehran Map for Today’s Events
NEW Iran Uncovered: The Top-Secret Obama-Ahmadinejad Relationship
NEW Iran: The False US Friends of the “Iranian People” (An Open Letter to Charles Krauthammer)
NEW Latest Iran Video: Attack on Jamaran Memorial/Khatami Speech (26 December)
Latest Iran Video: Eve of Ashura Protests (26 December — The Jamaran Videos)
Latest Iran Video: The Eve of Ashura Protests (26 December)
The Latest from Iran (26 December): The Eve of Ashura Demonstrations

2040 GMT: Desperation. Press TV, citing Fars, reports --- presumably with a straight face:

A source with the Iranian Intelligence Ministry has announced the arrest of a number of Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorists in the anti-government protests that sparked in central Tehran.

At right, a stunning photograph to set beside the story: an anti-riot officer, wearing a green headband given to him by demonstrators, joins the "MKO terrorist" crowd.

2035 GMT: Martial Law?! Rah-e-Sabz is reporting that martial law was declared at 9 p.m. local time in Najafabad.

The website is also claiming "unprecedented police violence" outside the IRIB buildings.

2030 GMT: Ashura & Mousavi. A crowd have gathered outside Ebn-e-Sina Hospital to mourn and support the family of Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mousavi's nephew Seyed Ali died in the hospital today after being shot in demonstration in Enghelab Square.

2020 GMT: The US Comments. The White House has issued the following statement:

We strongly condemn the violent and unjust suppression of civilians in Iran seeking to exercise their universal rights. Hope and history are on the side of those who peacefully seek their universal rights, and so is the United States.

Governing through fear and violence is never just, and as President Obama said in Oslo -- it is telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.

2005 GMT: AUT News reports on Internet chatter we've heard all evening: Mohammad Moin, the son of Mustafa Moin, former reformist Presidential candidate and Minister in the Rafsanjani and Khatami Governments, was arrested today.

2000 GMT: The Ashura "Martyrs" in Tehran. Rah-e-Sabz has named the five people killed in the capital today: Mehdi Farhadi Nia, Mohammad Ali Rasekhi, Amir Arshadi, Shahram Fraji, and Seyed Ali Mousavi.

1950 GMT: What We're Watching. Reports of clashes outside buildings of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and in squares and avenues across Tehran: Mirdamad, Karegar, Enghelab, Azadi, Tajrish, and 7 Tir.

1835 GMT: And Tonight? From a distance, it feels like the final round of a heavyweight boxing match. The challenger --- having landed some mighty blows and even putting the champion (if you can call the regime "champion") on the ropes --- has punched himself/herself out.

So the protests tonight are smaller, with security forces preventing a mass gathering. For example, groups tried to congregate in Mohseni Square but were contained along Mirdemad Avenue.

Yes, it feels like the final round. Except that you and I know it is far from the final round, right?

1715 GMT: I'm Telling You, They Set the Koran on Fire! That's Fars News' latest attempt to tarnish the protests (which only hours supposedly had not occurred).

1705 GMT: A 3rd set of videos from today is now posted.

1635 GMT: Rouydad is now reporting on the Arak protest and clashes, and we have video from there and Najafabad.

1550 GMT: Beyond Tehran. Josh Shahryar is summarising:

Protests in Mashhad can be confirmed now. Protesters gathered outside Grand Ayatollah Sane’i’s house and at Imam Reza’s Shrine. At least 17 people were arrested – most of them students. Many people were injured in clashes as well.

Protests in Babol can be confirmed too now. Many protesters – including a young girl – were beaten badly by security forces here.

The number of people arrested in Tehran has reached at least 10. The number is probably going to rise. At least 4 people were also killed here.

So far, the protests could be confirmed in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Babol, Ardabil, Qom and Najafabad.

In addition, an Iranian source is reporting protests and clashes in Arak.

1510 GMT: Mousavi's Nephew Dead. A "close aide" to Mir Hossein Mousavi has confirmed the killing of Mousavi's nephew Seyed Ali by security forces this afternoon.

1500 GMT: Understatement of the Day. Press TV takes the gold medal: "The Iranian capital on Sunday witnessed sporadic anti-government protests on the anniversary of the Shia Muslim Ashura religious event."

Sporadic?

1420 GMT: Parleman News is reporting that Seyed Ali Mousavi, Mir Hossein Mousavi's nephew, was shot and killed in today's demonstrations. Mousavi was reportedly slain in Enghelab Square around noon local time (0830 GMT).

1350 GMT: Rouydad News is reporting clashes in Tabriz, with "probably at least four" killed.

1330 GMT: The Official Interpretation. Islamic Republic News Agency writes that a "cult of Mousavi" has caused chaos in Tehran, damaging public property and inconveniencing citizens.

IRNA also tries the story of a group of students out to cause trouble, with foreign media on hand to report "uproar and chaos".

Fars News reports on same lines,

1245 GMT: Taking the Streets? We have been busy looking at and uploading footage, starting a second set of vide0s, of the demonstrations. The images indicate that, at least for periods today, protesters have beaten back security forces --- despite the first deaths in months --- and taken control of sections of Tehran.

Rah-e-Sabz, still under cyber-attack, has reported, "Police forces are refusing their commanders' orders to shoot at demonstrators in central Tehran....Some of them try to shoot into the air when pressured by their commanders."

1135 GMT: Reports now of protests in Babol.

1130 GMT: Still a fluid situation with reports of gatherings and clashes throughout Tehran and in other cities. We have posted the first set of videos from today, including dramatic footage of protesters fighting back against security forces, especially at College Bridge (Pole Kalej). One report claims the forces relinquished Val-e Asr Square to demonstrators.

1025 GMT: Reformist websites are now confirming the 4th death. Reliable sources says a 5th person has been killed outside Amir Kabir University.

0955 GMT:  4th Death? Sources are reporting that a person has been killed in demonstrations at Vali-e Asr.

0950 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz confirms that its site is under attack.

0940 GMT: Mardomak confirms no live footage from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, unlike past years, of Imam Hossein Square in Tehran.

Meanwhile, Ironic Journalism Award of Day goes to Press TV. After showing ceremonies in Zanjan (but not Tehran), the channel reported very seriously that Moharram marches have been banned in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

0930 GMT: We've posted the first claimed video of today's protests and also the link to a useful map of Tehran.

0925 GMT: Beyond Tehran. Reports now coming in of protests in Isfahan, Shiraz, and Najafabad.

0915 GMT: Deaths of Protesters? Rah-e-Sabz (which is up but is difficult to access because of overload) is reporting three people killed and two injured in the area near Kalej Bridge (Pole Kalej).

0830 GMT: We are watching carefully the torrent of claims of clashes across the capital, including claims that security forces have backed away at certain points in the face of determined protesters. BBC has now posted, "Tehran police 'fire tear gas at opposition protesters'."

0815 GMT: Mardomak reports tear gas fired in Enghelab Square and clashes in Imam Hossein Square. After clashes at Amir Kabir University, the crowd has been dispersed.

0810 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz, before it went down, also reported tear gas at Vali-e Asr.

0805 GMT: Fancy a Lighter Moment? It promises to be an intense day, so if you need a break, have a look at our special world exclusive, based on minutes of investigative journalism, "The Top-Secret Obama-Ahmadinejad Relationship".

0755 GMT: Watching reports of clashes at Imam Hossein, Vali-e Asr, and Enghelab Squares.

0745 GMT: The reformist site Rah-e-Sabz, a key source in recent days for "Western" media, has just gone down. The site had just reported tear gas used in Enghelab Square and the closing off of Vali-e Asr crossing.

0740 GMT: Mardomak is reporting clashes at Ferdowsi Square and heavy traffic around Pol-e Choubi.

0715 GMT: First unconfirmed reports of clashes in Tehran, mainly at Imam Hossein Square and 17 Shahrivar Street.

0711 GMT: Nothing to See Here, Go Away. Press TV still repeating the history and religious background of Ashura over and over, against live shots from Taft. Just keep talking --- even though nothing new is being said --- and maybe no one will notice the current political context and events.

0700 GMT: Press TV are carrying live shots of the Ashura ceremony in Mashhad and Taft. No word of Tehran, however.

0655 GMT: The reformist website Rah-e-Sabz reports an "extensive security presence" in Tehran, noting in particular forces around Imam Hossein and 7 Tir Squares.

0640 GMT: Drama and Polemic. We've posted stunning footage of yesterday's attack on the Jamaran memorial.

And we've finally caught our breath to highlight our analysis of the embrace of the "Iranian people" by American "false friends", trying to use the movement to extend US power in the name of the "new birth of freedom".

0625 GMT: A hat-tip and a heads-up for coverage of events. While we were down because of host problems yesterday, we noticed the good work being done by the LiveBlogs of The Daily Nite Owl (EA correspondent Josh Shahryar) and of IranNewsNow. Both are already in action this morning.

0605 GMT: AUT News reports that, in addition to the disruption of the Jamaran memorial and the speech of former President Mohammad Khatami by plainsclothes "thugs" (see yesterday's updates), 2000 Basiji surrounded the mourning ceremonies at Dar al-Zahra last night.

Ferehsteh Ghazi has a detailed report, in Persian, of the events and violence at Jamaran. Robert Mackey's blog for The New York Times draws from several sources for a summary.

0600 GMT (0930 Iran time): The holy day of Ashura, marking the death of the third Imam, Hossein, at the hands of Yazid's forces at the battle of Karbala, has begun. Government forces reported "in large numbers at all intersections from Enghelab to Azadi Squares" in Tehran.

Comments

[Arshama]

Scott,

Certainly not, the 5+ minute video shows an attack on the police station at Vali Asr square (written on the plate and visible from the cinema). Will try to find additional data on Pol-e Hafez incident. Thanks for your excellent coverage!

Arshama

[ange paris]

Afshin
Yes it's perfect thank you !

[Megan]

Afshin,

Thank you.

Yes, yes, yes, this should be Picture of the Day. I hope Scott considers that.

Their heads looks like a bunch of rocks in those helmets. Who is Khaso Khashk now? Okay may be they are not khaso khashk but they are definitely Khamenei (or is it Khannei) Falling Rocks.

[Mousavi's nephew shot through]

[...] (Pole Kalej). One report claims the forces relinquished Val-e Asr Square to demonstrators. SOURCE: The Latest from Iran (27 December): The Day of Ashura | Enduring America The next 2 items are from Persian2REnglish blog JARAS EXCLUSIVE: Special Guard Forces Refuse to [...]

[Sim]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmiDu0chK-k&feature=player_embedded

[am]

Keyvon,
Reading your posts is very educational on how difficult it is for people in Iran to see things from a different perspective and find the truth while being bombarded with state sponsored noise.

It is refereshing to see you make the effort to question things. If everybody in Iran was as inquisitive as you, I am sure the whole country would be able to see things the way they really are.

Keep up the good work. You are doing well despite all the censorship and rubish from the IRIB and the like.

[eyewonder]

Take care folks, no need to falsify the already epic events.
The image posted in these comments by Afshin, for example, shows people in T-shirts.... the videos from today show most (all?) in jackets!

[whereismyvote]

Let me tell you the protests today were the most violent ever. For months we have talked of the radicalization of the protests. I fear now that we shall follow a path that will lead to street battles and open war between the people and the Pasdaran / Basiji in streets. Shy of the head of Khamanei on a stick there is little that will tame the anger of the crowd now. The heroic, ideal peaceful demostrators are now long gone. The crowd is hungry, angry and their hearts are getting full of hate. Khamanei has just burnt his final bridge, now he will have to go to exile or die,

[Afshin]

@whereismyvote

I am asking my self this question as well ? After the last week, is there really a way for this regime to stay ??? (Anything except perhaps the sudden death of Khamenei !??)

A plan like we have heard about the last month seems almost impossible now.

[Kayvon]

am ?

I am glad that you found my post amusing ,, I know how to write am because I am a journalist working for one of the most reputable international newspapers in Iran and have been working for foreign media for the past 25 years ,, so I know how to write thing ,, please note that phrases are carefully chosen since they are dangerous tools ,, if you read my post again you will notice that I have not accused anyone of anything ,, and I am not an enemy of anyone ,, in fact I did thank Scott for his efforts too, which I really mean ,, but I dont undrestand why reaveling the fact that Scott may well recieve funds from the CIA or the pentagon makes you think that I think 007 style ,, this is most probably true once you logically evalute him and his site ,, but this does not mean that he is a bad man ,, or the CIA here is doing a bad thing ,, presently the opposite is evident ,,
you know, I have seen on so many occasions that when a foreign colleague comes to Tehran for the first time, he/she is amazed of what she sees because it is absolutly different to what a westerner thinks its like, due to your constant bombardment of your media, not ours ,, it is then that they realise what it means that we have been saying for many years to our western friends that dont listen to your media, they are not telling you the truth ,, they realise this once they are in Tehran for a couple of days ,, this is a fact ,, try it if you have never been here ,,

[Scott Lucas]

Arshama,

Belated thanks for your setting me right on police station story.

S.

[Scott Lucas]

Just in case anyone is wondering....

Nope, not a penny from the CIA, the Pentagon, Barack Obama, or George Soros (if I was receiving thousands of dollars, let alone millions, I would be choosing a far warmer, sunnier location than Birmingham, England, for the home of EA). The only support for the site comes through the money that folks contribute to "Buy Us A Coffee".

But just to bring in the irony prompting my smile at this moment: part of my academic work is studying (and critiquing) the support that the CIA and other US Government agencies gave to "private" groups in the Cold War --- http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a714039996&db=all.

[Iran Protests: The Month Of Th]

[...] Sullivan: Enduring America, Daily Nite Owl, and IranNewsNow are constantly updating with new details. There are already [...]

[ange paris]

Kayvon
I think it's better for you to read your true media as Keyhan and co and let us with our false news !! you are a great journalist !!! and it's not in your "shaan" , your high level knowledge to stay with us !! you can stay where you are and enjoy the truth ; keyvon by by !!

[am]

Keyvon,
I did not mean to be confrontational and I do not want to continue this discussion. I was sincerely praising you for giving things the benefit of dounbt. I am an Iranian too, and know full well the "conspiracy theory" mentality so prevelant in Iranian society.

Just one friendly advice, as journalist I suggest you read scotts background and you'll see he is based in England.

[ange paris]

Hey Kayvon
I have forgotten to say what do you do at home on your computer dear great journalist instead of being in the streets and shooting the events !! only a loudmouth !!

[Arshama]

Guardian reports on at least 9 killed protesters, likely to fuel more protests:
"The authorities are taking a risk in using lethal force against protesters during the Islamic month of Moharram, during which war and bloodshed is deemed to be religiously haram, or forbidden. It raises the likelihood of a series of mourning cycles, as required by Shia tradition. It was such a mourning cycle that fatally undermined the Shah's regime when it tried to suppress demonstrations in 1978."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/27/nine-dead-iran-protests

[Scott Lucas]

Arshama,

Many thanks for providing a complementary news service on a day when we are struggling to keep up....

S.

[Samuel]

Where is the Army, where are all the military regiments rising up??? Where is the coup, wasn't the coup today??? he! he! Oh never mind back to the one note propaganda. What helicopter is the SL on again???

[Kayvon]

Listen all you guys ,,
I am not a supporter of the present Iranian government, nor the regiem,, so dont fool yourself that I am a tool of the government,, Also ange paris, I dont read kayhan nor any other Iranian newspaper ,, and I am not a snub for what I am and for what I do ,, you guys take all the discussions personally,, I as who I am is not important here,, there are different points of view that exist whether you honor this or not ,, as I said Scott being a CIA or MI6 or not, makes no difference to the fact that he is presently doing us a favor, in getting us connected to each other and bringing us under one umberella ,, this I appreciate,, but lets not waist this chance by addressing each other as if we are enemies,, we are not,, we all have to work together ,, however, if anyone wants to close their eyes on some certain other facts that exist, do what you like ,, it will not harm me in any way ,, unity is what we need, why cant you unite ,, just accept our differences which is normal and let us all concentrate on the target ,, Scott or anyone else, getting paid or not, is both appreciated and welcomed ,, but what I said about what we have inherited today as being the fruit of the tree of 1953 is true ,, any of the concerned parties of that incident have to undo what they did first to create the much needed trust ,, if this is what they are doing, I thank them very much,, but according to Mr Miliband of your UK Scott, in his interview with the BBC farsi service last week when he was commenting on Britains stance on the 1953 issue, he said " history is good to learn from and not to become its slave, we have to forget yesterday and think of today as it is this that will shape our tomorrow" but he has forgotten that it was Britain that created this mess for us in the first place,, and whether he honors it or not, we ( Iranians ) are presently the slave of history that was made by the two allies ,, he says "Iranians should choose their own government" which in a way means do what you like as long as you behave well within the international community then we dont care who rules you and how ,, but he doesnt say that he well knows that the elements with which freedom and democracy in implemented do not exist here today as all saw what happened when Iranians objected to the election ,, so Scott and Miliband are sending different signals,, now which one do you believe to be true ,, I am friends with all ,,

[Anon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7kkAzDWtZ4

Not sure if you already have this... video of what is apparently the basij headquarters/building being set on fire.

Also there are reports of people apparently gathering at the hospital where Mosavi's nephew who was shot dead was taken too.

[Samuel]

Mark my words before too long the green sites will claim that exactly 72 were killled today, including infants shot with arrows.

[Mike Dunn]

Kayvon,
Just to reiterate what a few others have said, we're based out of Birmingham, UK and the post about AN's email was intended to be humourous. With regards to funding, the only income we get is when people donate money in the 'Buy us a coffee' link at the top of the page, or when they click on the adverts in the middle column. Like many online projects we run our website on a shoestring budget because we enjoy doing it and believe in it, rather than for financial gain.
Thanks, Mike

[ange paris]

Samuel
For once, I agree with you ! where is "Artesh" ??? an other loudmouth !!!!!!!!!

[ange paris]

Samuel
Do you ever think that an iranian could burn "Coran" ? NEVER ! how monsters we have as leaders !!!