Iran Restores Facebook Access

Witness describe chaos at a protest near Tehran mosque

(AP) - Riot police clashed with up to 3,000 protesters near a mosque in north Tehran today, using tear gas and truncheons to break up Iran's first post-election demonstration in 5 days. Witnesses told the AP that some protesters fought back, chanting: "Where is my vote?" They said others described scenes of brutality—including the alleged police beating of an elderly woman—in the clashes around the Ghoba Mosque. More»

(NEWSER) - A violent and chaotic day in Iran left dozens of protesters injured, with reports ranging from 13 to 19 deaths, reports the New York Times. The government's feared militia, the Basij, cracked down with water cannons, electric rounds, and live bullets against thousands of protesters in Tehran. The developments came on a day when challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi declared he is "ready for martyrdom" and President Obama criticized the government action as "unjust and violent" and warned that the "whole world is watching." More»

Iranian opposition leader calls for election 'annulment'

(NEWSER) - As thousands of Iranian dissidents defied the decree of the supreme leader to end their demonstrations, the symbolic face of the protests told supporters in Tehran today that he is "ready for martyrdom,” the New York Times reports. Mir Hossein Mousavi urged protesters to stage a general strike if he is arrested, and he sent a letter to Iran’s top legislative body calling again for the election to be “annulled,” Reuters notes. More»

(NEWSER) - Iran's supreme leader has ordered presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi to stand by his side at morning prayers tomorrow in a show of national unity, the Times of London reports. It's not clear if Mousavi will do so, or what consequences he'll face if he defies Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's demand. Mousavi may have more clout to work with, however, after yet another massive gathering in Tehran. More»

Journalists 'damaging the Islamic republic'

(NEWSER) - Iran has slammed foreign journalists for sparking unrest in the country as the “mouthpieces” of “hooligans,” CNN reports. The foreign ministry said “hundreds” of foreigners had been allowed into Iran in “a sign of the total transparency in the trends of the elections,” but “certain countries have rushed to judgment and have supported the illegal gatherings and the disturbances that a number of opportunists had created.” More»