(Der Spiegel-Germany) Ulrike Putz - The regime in Tehran has gone on the defensive following deadly riots on Sunday. The fact that security forces did not, during the clashes of recent days, observe the ceasefire that traditionally applies during important holidays has caused an uproar, even among conservative Iranians who have so far been loyal to the regime. Eyewitnesses reported that many Iranians who could be recognized by their clothing as devout Muslims could be seen among the protesters in Tehran on Sunday. Even conservative woman covered in the chador were chanting on Sunday for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to stand down. The pictures and amateur videos coming out of Iran via the Internet this time showed demonstrators chasing, seizing and beating up the police. There were also pictures of uniformed men who had changed sides, being carried by demonstrators on their shoulders and waving the green ribbons that have come to symbolize the protest movement. As they marched through the streets of Tehran, thousands cried: "We will fight, we will die, we will reconquer our country."
2009-12-29 08:34:05Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive