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]

Samuel, you are some 1400 years too late...
In the past 30 years the mullahs did a fine job in enforcing their fundamentalistic Islam with brutality, and the outcome is a society more and more fed up with religion. In fact they achieved what the Shah would never been able to do: convincing Iranians that a religious government is as rotten as a monarchy, and that a secular government is the only issue for our country.

[Barry]

Whereismyvote

"Let me tell you the protests today were the most violent ever. The heroic, ideal peaceful demonstrators are now long gone. The crowd is hungry, angry and their hearts are getting full of hate. "

Yes - I agree -and I cannot imagine how a country can continue on as a country (prosper) with this degree of civil unrest. BUT - unfortunately - I CAN see how a Regime can continue on regardless of this unrest.

Unfortunately (again) - although I see the greatest unrest and action since 1979 - I do not see 1979 being repeated just yet. Although I see many many people involving themselves - the great masses of the people in the cities appear to be still inside their houses. Until they emerge, all I can see is further decline of the country itself - but with the Regime still firmly entrenched. (a bit similar to the situation that existed in Zimbabwe before the new combined Govt - but that situation is another story)

I am an outsider - and can only make my judgments from information in places like this - but, the only thing that I can see now that will bring the MASSES out is further economic decline (further sanctions) - other than that, I cannot think how this can proceed from now on. Even if KH has been taken to "safety" - the Regime is not about to hand over their keys now.

Barry

[Samuel]

The hijackers of Ashura can't have it both ways. "Here we are peaceful demonstrators being attacked by those Basiji monsters who savagely beat women and old people, poor us" and then the greenies proudly show pictures and videos of the greenies carrying clubs and rocks (pretty much the same arsenal of the Basij), attacking the police, even surrounding them in some instances. We see bloodied policemen, police motorcycles on fire and Basij building on fire. I don't mind the greenies fighting back but their incessant whining about being victims is nothing but Bizarre.

Are the greenies revolutionaries or whining children? Look at Basij, they get hurt during these protests, they fall or get knocked off their motorcycles but you don't see them crying to the press about it. The Basij don't whine now and not in 1982 when my Basij relatives fought in Basra.

[ange paris]

Iranian people have to avoid the escape of Khamnei &co , arrest them and imprison them so that they don't become others Ben Laden in nature !

[teez negah]

The cycle of violance will not stop snd it looks more and more like the seams will rip apart acroos Iran. I think that both sides have alot of sabeuters working to create this situation of complete breakdown and no compromise. Who wants that I wonder ? Who in the middle east would like to see an Iran weakened and split apart ? Unfortuantly through poor co-ordination and lack of nuanced diplomacy Iran has a long list of neighbours who are happy at the situation now. There will no longer be a shia cresent threatening the middle east as Abdullah of Jordan noted in 2007.

[Barry]

Teez Nagah

"Who in the middle east would like to see an Iran weakened and split apart ?"

I agree with only one thing that Samuel puts forward - I like to be as honest with myself as I can. There is nothing to gain in the long run by deceiving oneself

My answer to your question is - almost everybody!!!

In fact - your question should really be "Who in the World would like to see an Iran weakened and split apart ?"

The answer would still be the same!

Eggs just have to be broken to be able to make an omelette - and there are many eggs in Iran that are going to have to be broken to make an omelette that the good people of Iran want to eat ( the Regime and it's supporters are eventually going to have to go hungry.) - but it is going to take a little while.

Barry

[ange paris]

teez negah
I don't understand why do you speak about weakened country ? a democratic country equals a weakened country for you ? to get rid of the dictatorship in our country will weaken it !!

[teez negah]

Barry-yes your answer is correct.Ange-yes democracy is very nice but it would be naive to think Iran will be a post iron curtain democracy any day soon. This conflict is splitting the country up between many different factions and views... so what you hope for is not something that many traditonal pious people in Iran want perhaps? But certainly no one has a majority because of the many engineered acts of sabatage and separtist feelings,political views etc. This is going to be a long and bloody tunnel which Iran has entered into.

[Samuel]

"Who in the middle east would like to see an Iran weakened and split apart ? Unfortuantly through poor co-ordination and lack of nuanced diplomacy Iran has a long list of neighbours who are happy at the situation now. There will no longer be a shia cresent threatening the middle east as Abdullah of Jordan noted in 2007."

teez negah,

The answer to your question is the same forces that want to return to the days when Iran was a puppet of the the Zionists and the Americans. But don't be too pessimistic look at the heights of power and influence achieved by Hezbollah in Lebanon. Nasrallah's speech today is not getting much influence here but it was a classic. Look at the Shiites in Yemen rising up and following the Hezbollah example. Look at the Shiites in Iraq and look forward to the day when Moqtada Sadr returns as an Ayatollah to take the rightful place that his family has always enjoyed.

So yes the future is very bright for Shiites. As for Iran do not forget that the Revolution has been under attack for 30 years. Part of the population has become enamored of the west and radicalized and obviously part of the old elite has joined them. But this is nothing new, the radicals will fall just like the MoK.

[teez negah]

Samuel yes you are partly right-I left that question open ended as it is obvious. A stab at being ironic. But must say Hizbollah is now far more weakend and many shiites inside are being disenchanted. The problem is that the leite/revolutinary guar/basiij/ are all split amongst themselves and alot of petrol is being poured over the country by the long list of neighbours that want to see iran enflamed.

[ange paris]

Teez negah
Samuel has found a customer ! :-)
Don't worry with a democratic system, the country won't be split but everybody will breath normally !
I believe in too hard !

[Barry]

Teez Negah

I would have to agree that there are wheels within wheels - and like the children's game, nobody knows where the wheel will stop.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/opinion/28iht-edharrison.html?_r=1

Barry

[Kayvon]

Micheal
Dont know where you disappeared ?? but ,, I believe you,, if you say so, I dont have anything against you man,, in fact now that you are English then we are even closer than before as I lived in the UK for over 25 years and still visit very often,, so England is actually my second home,, and I miss it as I miss Iran while I am not here,, I also owe much to Britain personally ,,
I lived in London since I was 14 till 40 ,, so I undrestand your mentality well and I went to school and college and uni in England and currently most of freinds are British living either in Iran or UK,, I have worked for British organisations in the past 25 years ,, most of my immediate family members are British citizens residing in the UK ,, I was one of the few who dared to go inside the British embassy and sign Dianna's memorial when she died ,, and I told the president that I wish we could do better with our 2500 years of history and this vast foreign office and this much of pride than to go up people's walls, sir ,, when I faced him as he was leaving the room after answering a pro-government journalist who asked him to "allow us to go directly to the den of the old wolf ( British embassy ) and do with them what we did with those ( US ),, just allow us this minute sir" and AN answered, "our friend is very passionate,, but let them hear this, as this is what our people say" ,, "this is certainly not what I say sir, and I am sure there are many like me too" as we crossed eyes with each other moments before him leaving the hall through a special back door that had a standing by elevator ready 2 meters away ,,

[Samuel]

teez negah,

Look at the recent example of Syria 5 years ago. After the death of Hariri and the Syrians leaving Lebanon everyone was ready to pronounce the death of the Assad regime. They all said Syria was going to be another collaborationist state like Egypt.

Where is Syria today? Everyone, including the Saudis, the younger Hariri, even the imperialists is going to Damascus and trying to obtain favors from the same Assad. Today Hezbollah is in the cabinet in Beirut and the govt. even recognized their right to their own Weapons to fight the Zionists!!!

The key is that the Assad Govt. stayed united against its enemies. The problem we have is the faction of the elites that has joined the opposition. They will have to be dealt with just as the Revolution dealt with those who participated in the overthrow of the Shah but then turned against the Revolution.

[Kayvon]

Its for Mike Dunn ,, Mate ,,

[Samuel]

The most interesting portion of the NY Times article posted above is the following:

"Mossad has long-standing contacts with Kurdish groups in Iran and Iraq established when the United States and Israel wanted to destabilize the Kurdish areas of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq."

Talk about an understatement. Today of course, the Mossad, is doing the same in Iran.

[Hossein]

Nothing good has come out of the IRI for 30 years. They have pilfered the national wealth and have lied and killed and raped the citizens. Now things are changing and with it people will see the abuses of the Islamic groups in Iran. One of the comments calls for Hezbollah's power in the ME, but they have lost most of the allure and common folk no longer support them. For sure the dollars given to them by the IRI is helping them survive but not for long.

[Afshin]

@Barry

Sanctions have NEVER worked and will not work either. What Iran needs is the west to stop flirting with A.N. Stop giving him legitimacy. We need political sanctions NOT economical.

[Samuel]

"One of the comments calls for Hezbollah’s power in the ME, but they have lost most of the allure and common folk no longer support them. For sure the dollars given to them by the IRI is helping them survive but not for long."

Ahh how refreshing to hear the words of pure, unadulterated Zionism or at least pro-Zionism.

By the way sources are reporting the presence of MKO terrorists among the demonstrators today. It will be dismissed unthinkingly (what a surprise) as regime propaganda but it makes perfect sense. The MKO (who to their credit in reality are pretty brave terrorists) help to radicalize and stiffen the spine of the more cowardly.

[PB]

Samuel is especially active today in pro IRI propogonda, perhaps he feels the neuce tightening or his paycheck slipping away. Dast o pah shodi Samuel?
F U and your BASIJ brothers! The majority of Iranians are risking life and limb old young traditional secular togethor saying enough to your fake islamic republic.

[ange paris]

Samuel
"then the greenies proudly show pictures and videos of the greenies carrying clubs and rocks (pretty much the same arsenal of the Basij), attacking the police, even surrounding them in some instances. We see bloodied policemen, police motorcycles on fire and Basij building on fire".

But footage shows a scene that when an anti-riot was captured by people, although just moments ago he was beating them to death, in return people are chanting “Let him go...Let him go” to those who captured him; iranian people are not " killers "; to "come off" and control a situation is enough for this noble people.

[Hossein]

Whenever the IRI runs out even their own rhetoric they accuse people of "Zionism" now I see here Samuel do the same. Wake up! These are millions of Iranians who are fed up with the IRI and their rapists, and are equally fed up with the national wealth going to Hezbollah. Now what part of this is "Zionist" conspiracy. Reason is the most important tool we have to combat injustice and yes the thugs on the streets of Iranian cities who are killing and raping the citizens. The citizens are crying out for what is their constitutional right, justice. Slogans and childish labels do not help the cause of freedom and democracy and justice.

[Barry]

Ashfin

"Sanctions have NEVER worked and will not work either."

I have seen this stated many times. It is true that the so called sanctions applied so far have not at this time brought the Iranian Regime to it's knees, but can you really say that they have not worked at all - not worked to even the slightest degree. And what exactly does "worked/not worked" mean anyway??

I suspect that the existing sanctions, although promulgated, have not been scrupulously and fully enforced - there are many multinational companies who will soon need to decide which side of the bread the butter is on - right now they are licking butter from both sides , but they are about to find out on which side of the bread the butter is by far thickest!! Two large western banks have found that out only very recently.

New sanctions - recently enthusiastically passed by the US Houses - will be very interesting. IF Obama chooses to implement them, it will make life very interesting for the Regime - interesting, as in the old Chinese curse "may you live in interesting times!"

Barry

[Arshama]

Mike, Scott and all EA staff,

Thank you so much for continous reporting, even during the holidays! Your reply was certainly necessary, but please do not listen to people like Kayvon. Linking your site to suspicious funds etc. is typical IRI slander in order to justify its own atrocities.
In today's VOA discussion a speaker from Tehran implored all Iranians abroad to spread the news about what is happening in the country. Your coverage gives a voice to all those who have been muzzled, banned or imprisoned in Iran.
Merci beaucoup, Arshama

[Hossein]

Indeed PB is correct, and this is the real sentiment of millions of Iranians. We do not support the culture of death and we do not want to throw Israel into the sea. I feel, and millions of Iranians do, the pain of Jewish suffering by the Nazis and by ignorant and manipulated people in Muslim lands. In Iran we, for the most part, have had a great symbiotic existence with the Jewish element in Iranian civilization. The terrible anti Jewish sentiments are new and are all due to the propaganda of the IRI. Iranian people have never harbored any such disgusting positions and feelings. The Jewish contributions to Iranian culture, science, medicine, literature is enormous and marks a long standing belief in tolerance and in equality by the best of Iranian identity. This is so correctly put to verse by Sa'di in his "Children of Adam are all of the same essence" poem, and this is not a mere statement to be looked at formally only. We believe it and we live it. Just look at how people in fact protected even the thugs from mob behaviour today in Tehran. These are facts and are upheld by reason. People who are muddying the water by recourse to slogans and to the official IRI line, should stay away. Something magnificent is going on in here. You should open your eyes and behold this moment that is shaping Iranian history and will impact the entire ME very positively. No more death wishes, no more hatred, no more anti Semitic thugs. I am proud of my tolerant heritage and will not allow any one to tarnish it with half truths and childish rhetoric.