Mousavi's Wife Sees 'Martial Law' in Iran

Wife of reformist candidate strikes a blow in Iran

(NEWSER) - Tomorrow Iran goes to the polls in a critical presidential election that could see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tossed out of office. As Der Spiegel reports, Mir Hossein Mousavi, a former prime minister with a reputation for clean governance, is riding a wave of support—thanks in part to his wife, a former university chancellor who has become the most visible politician's spouse since the 1979 revolution. Zahra Rahnavard even appears on her husband's election posters, holding his hand: a spectacular gesture in Iran. More»

(NEWSER) - The run-up to Friday’s presidential election has been the most heated Iran has ever seen, the New York Times reports. The candidates have accused each other of corruption, bribery, and torture, and every night the streets of Tehran erupt, with thousands dancing, fighting, and demonstrating. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is being forcefully challenged, and he’s responded with extreme vitriol. More»

Green Revolution muted as protests called off

(AP) - A year to the day after mass protests erupted over election fraud, Mir Hossein Mousavi vowed that Iran's opposition would "continue our peaceful methods"—but the so-called Green Revolution whose momentum threatened to topple the presidency of Mahmoud Ahamdinejad appeared muted. A mass protest planned for today was canceled amid fears of violence and the government's forceful crackdown appeared to be working. More»

In hiding after fleeing Iran, says the movement is still strong

(NEWSER) - "I still cannot believe it. I think I will see Neda again," the boyfriend of the iconic slain Iranian protester tells the Guardian in his first interview since fleeing the country. "Now I have left Iran, I can cry out," says Caspian Makan, who was tossed in the notorious Evin prison after telling foreign media about the government's efforts to crush the story of Neda Soltan, whose death, captured on cell phone, stoked global outrage at Tehran's violent tactics. More»

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

(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. More»