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

[Samuel]

Ange,

"Beating them to death"? In your response you seem to acknowledge that the two sides are similarly armed (clubs, chains, rocks). That is not a massacre, it is a fight between two armed groups. As for the gentle nature of the greens; are they just trying to help the Basij cook up a large feast by setting the building on fire??? The fact is that the greens want running street battles with the Basij (we have seen that movie before) and so they get them.

Folks talk about the regime misusing language but I think the greenees take first place. How about calling an 87 year old cleric who dies in his sleep a martyr???

[Barry]

Samuel

How about calling an 86 year old killer who died in his sleep an IMAM??

Barry

[Hossein]

Ange is right on. Those who do not see the core of the Green movement are blind to reason and work through slogans others have told them and they repeat them. Experience and reason will guide the courageous Iranians against this tyranny. Those who do not see the evil side of the IRI are either blind to history or are mere followers of what others tell them. We are well beyond all of the lies thrust upon us for 30 years, no more death wishes, no more lies, no more hatred. We want freedom and happiness, and we will attain them.

[Hossein]

Barry, a brilliant statement:

How about calling an 86 year old killer who died in his sleep an IMAM?

Believe me, we no longer pay attention to childish slogans perpetuated by brainwashed Basijis. Montazeri is a giant symbol for the cause, but no one believes in the Leader's Velayat anymore, save paid groups. Independent reason, thus majority of Mojtaheds, are against the injustices of the IRI and are disgusted by the culture of rape and death and lies. We no longer believe their lies. Period.

[Samuel]

Barry,

Nice try he was referred to as Imam while alive. I just read about some unfortunate individuals who died in a boat accident. Are they martyrs too???

[Barry]

Hossein

Be careful that you do not finish up in Evin. They might ask you the questions below for 1988. I would NOT have lasted long!!!

* 'Are you a Muslim?' NO
* 'Do you believe in God?' NO
* 'Is the Holy Koran the Word of God?' NO
* 'Do you believe in Heaven and Hell?' NO
* 'Do you accept the Holy Muhammad to be the Seal of the Prophets?' NO
* 'Will you publicly recant historical materialism?' WHAT'sTHAT?
* 'Will you denounce your former beliefs before the cameras?' NO
* 'Do you fast during Ramadan?' NO
* 'Do you pray and read the Holy Koran?' NO
* 'Would you rather share a cell with a Muslim or a non-Muslim?' LOADED QUESTION
* 'Will you sign an affidavit that you believe in God, the Prophet, the Holy Koran, and the Resurrection?' NO
* 'When you were growing up did your father pray, fast, and read the Holy Koran?' NO

Barry

[Barry]

Samuel

Re the "he" that you are referring to - is he the same "he" that I am referring to . ie the killer?

Barry

[ange paris]

Samuel
I am so happy that iranians were armed a "little" bit today ! it's just as well that they were not beaten as dogs, as usual !! but when they were able to take their revenge, they didn't !! this is the "noblesse" of "my" people !

[Hossein]

Thanks Barry. As we say, az in harfha gozashteh. The people on the streets are from all age groups and divergent social strata. The level of sophistication is fantastic. The movement here will also have a major impact in shaping the historical processes of the Middle East. People have woken up. Many and I included have been reading Iranian mythology of Zahhak and how the light of justice returns to our land. I have no doubt of this. So, LONG LIVE FREEDOM.

[Samuel]

Interesting how the MKO seems to have eyes and ears on the ground with the green mobs. They seem particularly precise in the types of motorcycles destroyed, to whom they belonged to etc.

http://www.english.mojahedin.org/pagesEn/detailsNews.aspx?newsid=6764

[Samuel]

"Many and I included have been reading Iranian mythology of Zahhak and how the light of justice returns to our land. I have no doubt of this."

So you are converting to Zoroastrianism or Zionism? Why not both?

By the way your comment about how well jews and persians always got along is a bit off. Loot at the Safavid period esp. early on. In any event no one has any problems with jews as a people only with Zionism. Why Ahmadinejad himself is jewish as we all know.

[Bozorg]

Ah, the blinkered head-in-the-sand refuge of scoundrel ideologues impervious to reason and evidence: Raising the specter of bogeymen - MKO, Zionists, Martians. Boo!

Are you sure you're not a Western colonialist, Samuel? You're great at denying the collective agency and autonomy of the Iranian people. Are they all marionettes for shadowy forces, or just the ones you don't like?

Look out for the MKO assassin under your bed.

[Samuel]

Bozorgi,

I'm not saying that the riots were caused by the MKO, the greenies can do that by themselves thank you very much.

Think of the MKO on the ground as a vitamin tonic, a shot of adrenalin, the tough guy enforcer on a sports team. The MKO as mentioned before are the real thing, revolutionaries who effectively targetted many clerics in the past. And they unlike the on the greenies don't whine like children.

[teez negah]

Ange-I am very much in the middle of this debate so please do not think that I am samuel's "customer". You want a landscape that may not fit the reality of today's Iran-yes democracy is good but wihtin Iran's context. A European style democracy will not come about when the majority are still pious but may not agree with AHmadinejad. Do not confuse rioters with so many who are standing back and watching events -even though they may no longer support A.N. this does not mean they will support a non islamic government. Look closer at karroubi,Rafsanjani and the uelema who disagree with Ahmadinejad-are they calling for disembowlment of the Islamic Republic ? The truth is a compromise has to come about. Sometimes you have to look at things for what they are and many people are watching events and NOT paricipating-the people on the streets are more and more two sides of different poles. Samuel has very valid points about the MKO. Unfortunantly, I feel that wiht the nuclear dossier etc...the fuelled and manipulated unrest...it will end badly for Iran.

[Samuel]

Just to be clear I am not a "supporter" of Ahmadinejad. I am a supporter of the revolution. Of course if you don't support the Greenies they automatically want to make you an AN supporter.

[AZ]

Samuel, if Iran splits and weakens, it is because people like Khamenei would rather destroy the nation than relinquish their illegitimate power. The people aren't making any unreasonable demands, yet the regime would rather step on them then give them their right.

[AZ]

By the way, your revolution is dead. It has been for quite some time now.

[Barry]

Teez Nagah

:) I have no idea if that is your name - or even what this tag is?? :)

Re Pious. The people of Poland are also very pious (in a Roman Catholic way). And the Polish nation is very much a Catholic nation - even though it is not named as such. There is no dichotomy between religious piety and Democracy. Iran's problem is that religious piety is indeed linked to it's system of Governance - and furthermore, the Governors do terrible things in the name of Religion. Most religions appear to have the propensity to be oppressive - the Roman Catholic part of Christendom was very much that way in past centuries - but then there was the "Enlightenment" followed by the "Reformation".

There are indeed dark times ahead for Iran - but have heart. I have just spoken to my son who has visited Berlin for the first time - staying mainly in the old East side. He is amazed that a city that has suffered such immense physical hardships, being practically razed to the ground and then occupied for such a long time has still retained it's soul - whereas he laments that London (where he lives) has kept it's wonderful physical attributes barely harmed but has now lost it's soul.

Barry

[Hossein]

Mr. Samuel,

Remarks such as:

So you are converting to Zoroastrianism or Zionism? Why not both?

are without value. When you study a subject you don't "convert" to that subject, but that is too much to wish for. It is precisely this lack of knowledge, not just of history but of process, that makes subjects targets of propaganda. Reason and experience plus long study of history, and in this case of Iranian mythos also, will guard us against ignorance and superstition. Snide remarks are not part of the process and are without signification.

[Barry]

Samuel

"Just to be clear I am not a “supporter” of Ahmadinejad. I am a supporter of the revolution."

I have noted your consistency in saying that you are a strong supporter of the "revolution" - but there is something I just don't understand. My understanding of a revolution is that it is something that happens - and changes the course of history (whether good or bad, depending on one's perspective) . However, similar to the Cubans, you appear to have this desire to "continue" a perpetual Revolution. What is it exactly that you are revolting against? - and why can't you just do it yourself - why do you want to insist that everyone else in Iran should continue revolting alongside you?. There are those that are quite happy that the original Iranian revolution took place - but now want to move on with their lives and live alongside the rest of the world peacefully. . I suspect that your quest for perpetual revolution is actually a desire for world conquest.

Barry

[Barry]

At approx 2 AM Tehran time, there appears to be still fighting underway (obviously less so than at 1 PM ) - but I am not able to come to an idea of the extent of this fighting.

Any thoughts please?

Barry

[Barry]

Samuel

Also, if you are not a supporter of AN, then I assume you voted for someone else in the Presidential elections. You are happy that your vote was counted??

Barry

[florence achard]

Dear Hossein,
I love your comment at 20 h 50 and if as you say millions of Iranians feel the same as you, Iran will soon be a great nation again, and I hope and feel it willl be very soon, very soon now.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
I also believe that if you Iranians succeed, t will trigger a positive momentum in the ME, other peoples will be inspired by your example; this at least is my dearest wish for the coming year.

[Mark Obenauer]

God bless Iran. From the videos I have seen and the rhetoric I have seen translated, Iran really could use prayers for all concerned.

[Megan]

Kayvon,

"but what I said about what we have inherited today as being the fruit of the tree of 1953 is true"

Disagree. What we have today is the fruit of a tree we allowed to be planted by force by Mohammad army 1400 years ago. CIA was not around those days.

You are definitely an Iranian; evident from your manner of writing and cultural nuance in your arguments- always pointing to others to divert a criticism.

If someone or other nations have taken advantage of us, it is because we allowed them. What we have today is the product of centuries of gullibility and apathy by us, the Iranians. We need to look at ourselves critically for the root cause of our problems and not look for excuses by pointing to others.

If you feel readers on this blog have taken your comments personally, it is because of you. Have you heard the first impression is the lasting one? You came to this blog and the first thing you did questioning the blog creator, Scott. EA is like Scott's home and us the readers are his guests. It is smart to analyze and question events/individuals around you but certainly not a good idea the very second you walk in. In addition, if we do not like something we do not need to keep coming back for more. Your first post gave the impression that you had formed an opinion before you did logon, evident by your insistence that Scott was stationed in U.S. – a claim not based on facts and certainly not a sound practice for a person claiming to be a journalist for 25 years.

Lastly, I do welcome your invitation to unity and ask that you take the lead in championing that by not turning this forum into a ping pong match.

We are all hurting for those in Iran. Speaking for myself, I feel helpless that I cannot do much except expressing my heartfelt solidarity with Iranians in Iran. And because of that I often jump on anyone who wants to divert my attention to other insignificant topics.