For a complete list of videos, protests, and analysis from the Fest of Fire, please visit Iran News Now.
11:05 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
We’re back. I’ll be trying to wrap up the news of the day and supplying some videos, so stay tuned, but let me try to sum up what has happened in Iran.
There were protests, there were some clashes, and there were some arrests, but to characterize tonight as a major protest event is inaccurate. The buzz about today has always been that there would not be organized anti-government protests, and as a result some might characterize tonight as a very small victory for the Green Movement. People did show their resistance to the regime.
But this was far from a game-changing evening. The Green Movement didn’t rise up tonight, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. The fact that there is so much news to sort through tonight is a testament to the fact that this is far from over.
5:46 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
According to an opposition website, at least 83 have been injured tonight in Iran. Also, there are confirmed reports of more than 60 fire department responses already.
It does not appear that there is widespread violence, but the security forces are apparently being harassed, having firecrackers thrown at them from rooftops or alleys. Also, there are widespread reports that pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad have been distributed and are being lit on fire all over the major cities.
5:04 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
At least three people have been arrested in Enghelab Square, Tehran.
Also, in the video below, uploaded earlier today, you can see a protester spray-painting “Death to Khamenei” on a wall in Tabriz.
4:44 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (that has ties with the PMOI) is reporting the following unconfirmed report:
NCRI – At 8:30 a.m. local time today, the young people confronted the State Security Forces (SSF) on the eastern side of Azadi Square by throwing stones.
The SSF agents Monday evening removed several large posters of the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from Azadi Square and Arya Shahr in fear of the young people to set fire to them.
Groups of suppressive forces are stationed throughout Azadi Street.
3:47 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
Latest on Twitter:
RT@homylafayette: News of clashes north of Hemmat Highway, Ghods township, Tehran. Fireworks thrown at security forces.RT @homylafayette: News of clashes north of Hemmat Highway, Ghods township, Tehran. Fireworks thrown at security forces.
3:37 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30) False Positives
The news out of Iran is spotty, and this is being compounded by the nature of the Fire Festival celebration. There are reports of smoke, loud explosions, and chants all over Iran – BUT these are all part of the celebration itself.
However, the reports are the security is very tight. Also, this report just came in:
RT @homylafayette: Second source: heavy clashes in Enghelab Square. Still not dark, but already explosions everywhere. #iranelection
There is little evidence of sustained clashes between revelers and security forces, but I’ll be keeping an eye on the situation there all day.
3:05 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
The latest pictures from Iran’s Chaharshanbeh Suri, the Feast of Fire:
There are reports of sporadic clashes, and that the government has stopped the sale of gasoline (presumably because of its flammable effects).
2:49 PM (GMT, Iran UTC+3:30)
I’m following some of the developments in Iran. They’re coming fast a furious, so let’s get started.
Yesterday, the Iranian government announced that it was banning Iran’s largest pro-reform political party, Mosharekat. Also, yesterday reformist leader Mehdi Karroubi’s apartment complex was attacked (see video, courtesy of Enduring America, below).
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