Iranian government forces clash with protesters

The events marking the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Revolution that ushered in the Islamic Republic 31 years ago have unfolded with clashes between government forces and protesters of the June presidential elections which protesters claim fraudulently returned Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power.

An eyewitness told Radio Zamaneh that in Aryashar, in the west of Tehran, protesters are being beaten up by government forces. Anti-riot police have used electric batons to disperse the crowds and some protesters have been sighted with blood on their faces.

Nedaye Sabz Azadi also reports of shootings in that area as well as altercations in Vanak Square in the north. Reportedly some protesters detained in Vanak have been transferred to a building in Brazil Street.

Reformist websites report significant protester turnout in today’s demonstrations. Some Images of the protesting crowd have already been posted on You Tube.

The pro-government crowd is being hyped by the State media. Fars News Agency estimates “five million” government supporters have gathered in Tehran for the February 11 demonstration while Associated Press reported "hundreds of thousands" in Azadi Square.

Reportedly the Chairman of the Expediency Council, Ayatollah Rafsanjani was faced with antagonism of the pro-government crowd when he joined the demonstrations.

Meanwhile Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made no reference to the recent events and the current unrest in his speech today.

However, Mardomak website reports that during his speech the slogan “Liar! Liar!” could be heard. In several reports on Iran’s national broadcasts, images of today’s demonstrations have been aired without any sound.