Protest Returns to Iran

Protest returned to the streets of Iran Friday after an annual rally in support of the Palestinian cause turned into a massive demonstration against the government and the disputed presidential election three months ago. — J.C.

Los Angeles Times:

Tens of thousands of protesters swarmed the streets of Tehran and at least two other Iranian cities Friday, audaciously turning an annual rally in support of the Palestinian cause into the first major demonstration against the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in six weeks.

“Not Gaza, not Lebanon, I’ll sacrifice my life for Iran,” chanted the protesters as they stretched out along the capital’s wide boulevards.

Witnesses in Tehran reported that by late morning the demonstrators had taken full control of the expansive Seventh of Tir Square. Amateur video also showed thousands holding up green ribbons and shawls in peaceful rallies in Shiraz and Esfahan.

Ahmadinejad, whose disputed reelection three months ago has triggered Iran’s worst political crisis in decades, ignored the protesters, who confronted him with chants of “Liar! Liar!” minutes before he delivered a blistering condemnation of Israel at Tehran University in the capital’s downtown.

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