Iranians protesters clash with security forces again

Iranian election protesters are on the streets of Tehran and other major cities of Iran today using Ashura mourning events to express their protests against the government which they claim has stolen votes and taken power illegitimately. Security forces have clashed with protesters and according to Jaras website at least four people have been killed.

Security forces have been heavily deployed in the central areas of Tehran and ambulance sirens fills the atmosphere, Jaras reports.

At Valiasr Square, despite tear gas attacks, people have broken the police blockade and entangled with the security forces. A police motorcycle has been set on fire and the altercations at Valiasr as well as Haft-e Tir have been stretched into the side alleys.

Around Hafez Avenue thick smoke columns in the air have been reported. Eyewitnesses have told Jaras that bus passengers chant slogans in support of Mousavi while other protesters have also been heard chanting slogans against Ayatollah Khamenei and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Pictures posted on the internet reveal that in some instances security forces have been pushed back by the people and are on the retreat. Some reports also tell of police forces disobeying superior command to attack the people.

State news agencies Fars has reported Tehran to be calm save for "a few deceived people who are burning public and private property desecrating the holy day of Ashura."

Fars also announced that according to "knowledgeable sources" no one has been killed on the streets of Tehran today.

ISNA quotes Police Commander Rajabzadeh that they "have not received reports of anyone being killed; the security forces are not carrying combat weapons and the police have not been shooting in Tehran."

The situation in Shiraz, Esfahan and Najafabad is also volatile according to eyewitness reports to Zamaneh.

Yesterday opposition leader, Mohammad Khatami’s speech at Hoseynieh of Jamaran was interrupted by armed forces in plain clothes. They attacked the crowd with batons, cables, chains and pepper spray.

Participants protested to the attack by demonstrating in the streets around Jamaran chanting anti-government slogans.

In Esfahan also an unspecified number of mourners trying to attend Tasua ceremonies at Azam Mosque were arrested, according to reformist websites.