History in the making 12

After a week of western news claiming seemingly lessening protests, Iranian Twitter sites are still claiming continued protests. Meydaan Mohseni Square in Tehran yesterday and Ghoba Mosque previously. Night time shouting from the rooftops increasing in response to the Guardian Councils confirmation of teh election. Evin prison is reportedly full to overflowing.
Possibility of all the EU amabassadors pulling out.
And always rumours of Rafsanjani and political manouvering in Qom.

A long way to go yet, but a journey that still seems to be continuing.

Good luck to the people of Iran.

History in the making 11

The British Embassy is pulling out families this afternoon Tehran time.
I think this was triggered because relations between Iran and UK broke down over the Chatham House report showing the election was fraudulent.
No news yet of other embassies.

Some more violence reported last night in Tehran.

It looks like a general strike will be held today.

We are all Neda

Good luck to the people of Iran.

History in the making 10

Last night there must have been extreme scenes in Tehran. Twitter reporting many dead, including a young girl bystander. TV news reports of a suicide bomber at Khomeinis tomb (all unconfirmed by any other sources yet).

Mousavi is making a strong stand, Ahmadinejad hasn't appeared in public.

The events are reaching a climax, this will be resolved, one way or the other in the next few days.

Good luck to the people of Iran

History in the making 9

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan.

Full of people must be well in excess of 100,000
Almost 2 years to the day since I was there.

From here

faramarz

#iranelection

Goodluck to the people of Iran

History in the making 8

And the blood of brave men was shed like unto the shedding of rain from a black cloud.- Ferdowsi

(and women)

Ferdowsi, the author of the Shahnameh. An early Persian literary epic.

Good luck to the people of Iran

From here

faramarz

#iranelection

History in the making 7

The Government has refused to issue a permit for the "Sea of Green" march at 4pm on Saturday in Tehran

But more importantly...

Latest rumour is that Khameini may be moving against Rafsanjani. Reports of the Basij at Rafsanjani's house and arrest warrants have been issued for his sons.

Rafsanjani would be the next supreme leader if Khameini fails.

This signals an open split in the cleric government.

There is no backing down from here.


Very best of luck to the people of Iran.

History in the making 6

I think today was the turning point. At Friday prayers Khamenei said "the Islamic establishment would never manipulate votes and commit treason. Legal structure in this country does not allow vote-rigging” Khamenei rejected vote fraud claims and called on candidates to stop the protest.

Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a stern warning that protests against the country's disputed presidential election results must end and Khamenei also told Mousavi to toe the line over the election or be cast out.

Khamenei's intransigence and continuing support of Amadinejad has made many of the opposition more angry by showing he will not change his mind even a little bit. He seemed to be supporting Amadinejad directly after the election and now has come out quite clearly and said which way he wants it to be. If the protestors are ultimately triumphant, Khamenei has ensured he will lose power.

Also it is confirmed for tomorrow (Saturday) a “Sea of Green” rally will be held in Enghelab Sq, Mousavi, Karoubi and Khatami will attend . The Protestors have been asked to turn up with the Koran in their hands, to sit down when they are attacked and cite the Koran.

Starting Thursday night Basij Militia's have started setting up check points around Tehran. It looks like there will be no compromise by the government. And the protestors have not been answered.

Good Luck to the people of Iran

History in the making 5

Current demands from the protesters

1. Dismissal of Khamenei for not being a fair leader
2. Dismissal of Ahmadinejad for his illegal acts

3. Temporary appointment of Ayatollah Montazeri as the Supreme Leader

4. Recognition of Mousavi as the President

5. Forming the Cabinet by Mousavi to prepare for revising the Constitution

6. Unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners

7. Dissolution of all organs of repression, public or secret.

Read a good summary of the current events here

Good luck to the people of Iran.

History in the making 4

Fabulous quote of the day, in the absence of free media coverage in Iran:
"1 Citizen = 1 Media"

change_for_iran is back twittering after a silence of 20+ hours, but at some cost I think.

It looks like the guardian council has ruled out annulling the election, but Mousavi has rejected a recount and will only settle for a full revote.

From oxfordgirl:
'A real Supreme leader does not change mind, he hears word of Allah'. Khamenieh himself could be in trouble.

Despite state spread rumours to the contrary it looks though another peaceful march is planned to begin shortly. Dressed in black in remembrance of yesterday. Beginnning to look like some of the police won't respond. Also there is a movement for some of the women who want to remove their scarves during the march. Hints at a secular government to come.

Good luck to the people of Iran

History in the making 3

Change_for_Iran hasn't made any more entries since my previous post.

Persiankiwi is reporting that:
all people in the street with cameras or laptops are being attacked
rumours of embassies evacuating
hotels are under lockdown to prevent foreign reporters from getting information from the public
rumours of Army Generals meeting in secret - Army considering position
most of Tehran Bazar was closed today
Khamenei under very strong protection by the Basij

lotfan reported via Fars language Cyrus News:
16 military officers arrested for possible joining with the protestors


Best luck to the people of Iran