Neda Mourned Privately as Iran Bans Memorials

Neda Agha-Soltan has become the face of the Iranian protests but friends say she was never an activist before the disputed election, the Los Angeles Times reports. The 26-year-old, a music lover who was studying for a career in tourism, was shot dead by a sniper on her way to a protest Saturday. She was aware of the danger, friends say, but felt she had to take a stand.

"She couldn't stand the injustice of it all," her music teacher said. "All she wanted was the proper vote of the people to be counted." Iran has banned prayers and eulogies for Neda and told friends and family not to discuss her but her teacher says he is not afraid to speak out. "They know me," he said. "They know where I am. They can come and get me whenever they want. My time has gone. We have to think about the young people." (More Neda stories.)