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Iranian Police Suppress Student Protest

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 10:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – Riot police swarmed around Tehran University today, dispersing anyone attempting to gather in protest with batons, shields, and pepper spray, the Washington Post reports. “There are 300 of us in a small alley, and we are under attack by dozens of security forces,” one witness reported. Others say they saw Baseej militia members beating protesters with clubs, and plainclothes police officers leading people into unmarked vans.

The protest, organized online through email, Facebook, and opposition sites, was to commemorate the 10th anniversary of an attack on university students by security forces. But the governor of Tehran had warned that the demonstration was illegal, and promised a “crushing response.” Such threats have largely succeeded in squashing protests; there hasn’t been a major demonstration in nearly 2 weeks.

In this Monday, June 15, 2009, photo, an Iranian protestor flashes a victory sign from a bridge in a mass protest over the June 12 disputed presidential election, in Tehran, Iran.
In this Monday, June 15, 2009, photo, an Iranian protestor flashes a victory sign from a bridge in a mass protest over the June 12 disputed presidential election, in Tehran, Iran.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian anti-riot police officers on motorcycles patrol a mass protest over the June 12 disputed presidential election, in Tehran, Iran in this Monday June 15, 2009 photo.
Iranian anti-riot police officers on motorcycles patrol a mass protest over the June 12 disputed presidential election, in Tehran, Iran in this Monday June 15, 2009 photo.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
kokuaguy
Jul 9, 2009 5:41 AM CDT
The U.N. needs to take a strong position on this, especially European nations that have been traditionally seen as neutral. Our direct involvement cannot be helpful there in any way.

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