Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Iranian Police Clash With Protesters

Tear gas, beatings mark 30th anniversary of US Embassy takeover

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 4, 2009 6:34 AM CST

(AP) – Iranian security forces beat anti-government protesters with batons and fired tear gas today on the sidelines of state-sanctioned rallies in Tehran to mark the 30th anniversary of the US Embassy takeover. While pro-government demonstrators chanted "death to America" outside the former embassy, opposition marchers nearby cried "death to the dictator." Security forces swept through several hundred demonstrators in the city center, clubbing, kicking, and slapping protesters.

The counter-demonstrations were the opposition's first major show of force since mid-September. Many marchers wore green scarves or wristbands in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who claims President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stole the June election from him through fraud. Authorities appeared determined to avoid opposition rallies overshadowing the anniversary of the embassy takeover, and warned protesters days in advance against attempts to disrupt the annual gathering.

This photo, taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran shows anti-government protesters in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009.
This photo, taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran shows anti-government protesters in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Iranian school students prepare to burn a US flag in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009, in a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy.
Iranian school students prepare to burn a US flag in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009, in a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian school students burn a US flag in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009, in a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy on Nov. 4, 1979.
Iranian school students burn a US flag in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Nov. 4, 2009, in a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy on Nov. 4, 1979.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
This photo, taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran shows anti-government protesters in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009.
This photo, taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran shows anti-government protesters in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Nov 4, 2009 3:33 AM CST
I am shocked that the headline didn't read "300 dead as protester clash with machine gun toting police"....
tomodachi
Nov 4, 2009 3:09 AM CST
The average age in Iran is less than 30 years old. They don't like the clerics telling them they can't have open access to the world... and they're still justifiably bitter over their recent fake elections. IMO: It's only a matter of time before they overthrow their government.
tomodachi
Nov 4, 2009 2:27 AM CST
Mind boggling... that we derive any of our energy needs... from a nation where people publicly shout: "Death to Americans." Every dime we gave Chrysler should have instead been invested in US companies making electric cars.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

More Newser Stories

Iran Touts Its 'Key' Nuclear Achievements

Ahmadinejad: Iran to Reveal 'Big' Nuclear Progress

Ahmadinejad: Iran Ready for Nuke Talks

Chavez, Ahmadinejad Chuckle About Nukes

Iran to World Leaders: Let's Discuss Nuke Program


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne