Drawing inspiration from the recent uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Iranians went to the streets yesterday in a surprisingly large anti-government demonstration. Police forces cracked down hard, using tear gas and batons. At least one person was killed in the clashes, according to Iranian media. Demonstrators shouted slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “down with Taliban, in Cairo and Tehran.” Witnesses reported that large groups of people, perhaps numbering tens of thousands, overwhelmed police efforts to stop them as they marched from Enghelab Square to Azadi Square in downtown Tehran. The Associated Press reported tens of thousands demonstrated, which other sources say they think they crowd may have exceeded 200,000. Either way, the demonstrations are the most significant anti-government demonstrations since those in 2009 following Iran's disputed presidential election. Dozens were arrested for participating in the banned rally, according to an opposition group's website. Similar events were reported in the cities of Isfahan and Shiraz. BM
