Glimpses into Renewed Iran Protests

Iranian opposition protesters clashed with security forces in Tehran Friday in largest showing of strength since the regime cracked down on election demonstrations last month.

Sparked by the sermon of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a powerful cleric widely believed to be sympathetic to opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered, chanted and marched through Tehran's streets.

Here are some images and videos of the day's events:

As far as pictures, check out pictures these postings on Flickr and the Gooya News.

For video, watch protesters flash the victory sign during the call to Friday Prayer.





Mousavi, Ahmadinejad supporters meet:





Crowds reportedly chanting (in order):

"Iranians die but don't accept humiliation!"
"Death to dictator!"
"Hashemi, Hashemi if you keep silent you are a traitor!" (a reference to Rafsanjani)
"Death to dictator, whether it be Shah (king) or doctor!"
"As long as Ahmaidnejad exists, this is an everyday occurrence!"
"Coup government, resign, resign!"
"Allah'u ' Akbar - God is Great!"
"Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein!" (in support of Mousavi)
"Death to dictator!"





Tear gas fired reportedly fired in front of Mehdi Karroubi, another pre-reform presidential candidate who also served as speaker of the Iranian parliament, on the way to Friday Prayer.

Part I:




Part II. (With the crowd chanting "Hashemi, Hashemi, if you choose silence, you are a traitor" and "Karroubi take care of our nation").





Crowds abandoning the usual "Death to America!" chants. Instead? – "Death to Russia!" – spurred by that country's ties to the Ahmadinejad government.





Tear gas being used to disperse protesters:





Protesters gather outside Tehran University, chanting "That is enough liar, Akbar Hashemi!"