Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, activist and academic Zahra Rahnavard, address the crowds marching in Tehran
We were taken by surprise by the pace of the news from Iran on 15 June 2009. We did not take in the significance of reports that security forces had raided dormitories at Tehran University --- later, we would learn that several students were killed --- and we were cautious that a rally challenging the election would materialise. At lunchtime, we were reporting that the march had been cancelled by the headquarters of Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Then we saw the images of the crowds on Tehran's main avenues. Not 1000s or 10,000s, but many 100,000s. By late afternoon, they had gathered in Azadi Square to protest and to celebrate their unexpected display of defiance.
Still, the evening closed with the worrying news that several demonstrators had been killed by Basij militia. The regime appeared to be preparing to declare that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election was beyond challenge, despite an announcement that the Guardian Council had agreed to a recount of votes. Could the protests alter that course?
We re-post our Live Coverage from the day. We also posted a video and transcript of President Obama's remarks --- "I think that the democratic process, free speech, the ability of people to peacefully dissent, all those are universal values and need to be respected".
EARLIER COVERAGE
14 JUNE: Remember Iran: The Protests, the Repression...and the "Hope That Runs The World"
Remember Iran Flashback: "The Obama Administration Fails to React" (14 June 2009)
Remember Iran Flashback: 14 June 2009 Live Coverage --- "More than 100" Arrested as Greens Prepare Rally
EARLIER COVERAGE
13 JUNE: Remember Iran: An EA Special --- Three Years Ago Today, The Protests Begin
12 JUNE: Remember Iran: An EA Special