Clashes In Tehran As Protestors Defy Ban

Mousavi Demands Election Be Annulled As Iranian Police Deploy Tear Gas, Water Cannons; Blast At Shrine Kills 2

(CBS/AP)  Last Updated 7:57 p.m. ET.

Thousands of protesters defied Iran's highest authority Saturday and marched on waiting security forces that fought back with baton charges, tear gas and water cannons as the crisis over disputed elections lurched into volatile new ground.

CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer, one of the last remaining Western journalists in Tehran, reports that Saturday's crowd was 2,000 to 3,000 strong, but many of the young people who wanted to join in were turned back by the police before they got anywhere close. Eventually, the threat of more violence forced the protestors to retreat and scatter - but it was a remarkable show of defiance.

In a separate incident, a state-run television channel reported that a suicide bombing at the shrine of the Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least two people and wounded eight. The report could be not independently evaluated due to government restrictions on journalists.

If proven true, the reports could enrage conservatives and bring strains among backers of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi. Another state channel broadcast images of broken glass but no other damage or casualties, and showed a witness saying three people had been wounded.

The extent of injuries in the street battles also was unclear. Some witnesses said dozens were hurt and gunfire was heard.

The clashes along one of Tehran's main avenues — as described by witnesses — had far fewer demonstrators than recent mass rallies for Mousavi. But they marked another blow to authorities who sought to intimidate protesters with harsh warnings and lines of black-clad police three deep in places.


IranWatch: Track the latest on the Iran election upheaval


The rallies also left questions about Mousavi's ability to hold together his protest movement, which claims that widespread fraud in June 12 elections robbed Mousavi of victory and kept hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in office.

Mousavi bewildered many followers by not directly replying to the ultimatum issued Friday by Iran's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His stern order to Mousavi and others: Call off demonstrations or risk being held responsible for "bloodshed, violence and rioting."

A police commander sharpened the message Saturday. Gen. Esmaeil Ahmadi Moghadam said more than a week of unrest and marches had become "exhausting, bothersome and intolerable." He threatened a more "serious confrontation" if protesters return.

Mousavi's silence was broken after the melee with another call to annul the election results. But there was no mention of the clashes — suggesting he wants to distance himself from the violence and possibly opening the door for more militant factions to break away.

Amateur video showed clashes erupting in the southern city of Shiraz and witnesses reported street violence in Isfahan, south of Tehran.

"I think the regime has taken an enormous risk in confronting this situation in the manner that they have," said Mehrdad Khonsari, a consultant to the London-based Center for Arab and Iranian Studies.

"Now they'll have to hold their ground and hope that people don't keep coming back," he added. "But history has taught us that people in these situations lose their initial sense of fear and become emboldened by brutality."

In Washington, President Barack Obama urged Iranian authorities to halt "all violent and unjust actions against its own people." He said the United States "stands by all who seek to exercise" the universal rights to assembly and free speech.

Mr. Obama has offered to open talks with Iran to ease a nearly 30-year diplomatic freeze, but the upheaval could complicate any attempts at outreach.

Full details of the street battles could not be obtained because of Iranian media restrictions. But witnesses described scenes that could sharply escalate the most serious internal conflict since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

An estimated 3,000 marchers — some chanting "Death to dictatorship!" — marched directly onto a blockade of security forces keeping them from approaching Azadi Square, where Mousavi gathered hundreds of thousands of people on Monday.

Police first fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters, witnesses said. Then came a second wave. It included volunteer militiamen on motorcycles chasing down demonstrators.

Witnesses claimed some marchers were beaten with batons by security forces or metal pipes wielded by the militiamen known as Basijis, who are directed by the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

An old woman cloaked in a head-to-toe black chador shouted, "Death to the dictator," drawing the attention of Basij members who ran from the other side of the street and clubbed her, according to one witness contacted by the AP.

Protesters lit trash bins on fire — sending pillars of black smoke over the city — and hurled rocks. Some managed to wrestle away a few motorcycles and set them ablaze.

One witness told The Associated Press that people came from apartments to aid the wounded demonstrators or allowed them to take shelter. Helicopters hovered over central Tehran until dusk.

The witnesses told AP that between 50 and 60 protesters were seriously beaten by police and pro-government militia and taken to Imam Khomeini hospital in central Tehran. People could be seen dragging away comrades bloodied by baton strikes.

Nearby, Tehran University was cordoned off by police and militia.

On the streets, witnesses said some protesters also shouted "Death to Khamenei!" — another sign of once unthinkable challenges to the authority of the successor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the Islamic Revolution.

All witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared government reprisals. Iranian authorities have placed strict limits on the ability of foreign media to cover events, banning reporting from the street and allowing only phone interviews and information from officials sources such as state TV.

Mousavi, who served was prime minister during the 1980s, is not believed to seek the collapse of the Islamic system. But he claims that state powers were abused to skew the election results and re-elect Ahmadinejad in a landslide.

That stand has increasingly brought him and his supporters into direct confrontation with Iran's highest authorities.

A statement on Mousavi's Web site said he and his supporters were not seeking to confront their "brothers" among Iran's security forces or the "sacred system" that preserves the country's freedom and independence.

"We are confronting deviations and lies. We seek to bring reform that returns us to the pure principals of the Islamic Republic," it said.

Khamenei sided firmly with Ahmadinejad on Friday, saying the vote reflected popular will and ordering opposition leaders to end street protests.

A report on Press TV listed the fallout from the unrest, including 700 buildings and 300 banks damaged and 400 police hurt. It gave no similar list for the protesters. At least seven people have died, according to the official Iranian count, but the total could be more.

Mousavi's extremely slim hope of having the election results annulled rest with Iran's Guardian Council, an unelected body of 12 clerics and Islamic law experts. But Mousavi and another moderate candidate in the race, Mahdi Karroubi, did not appear at a meeting called to discuss their allegations of fraud, a council official told state TV.

The council has said it was prepared to conduct a limited recount of ballots at sites where candidates claim irregularities.

In a letter to the council, posted on one of Mousavi's Web site, he listed alleged violations that include his representatives being expelled from polling stations and fake ballots at some mobile polling stations.

The government has blocked Web sites such as BBC Farsi, Facebook, Twitter and several pro-Mousavi sites used by Iranians to tell the world about protests and violence. Text messaging has not been working in Iran since last week, and cell phone service in Tehran is frequently down.

But that won't stifle the opposition networks, said Sami Al Faraj, president of the Kuwait Center for Strategic Studies.

"They can resort to whispering ... they can do it the old-fashioned way," he said.

[WayAround]

...and it all started with ONLY ONE SENTENCE "The election was not fair".

Was the sentence true? Who knows?

Who started the rumor? Who knows?

[YrSoWrong]

CBS has no limit on halfwits who relate everything to the Republican Party. This like saying that short ugly stupid friendless guys can't get a date tonight because of the Republican Party. Perhaps they understand, but then again, perhaps they don't want to understand.

[bhuddaflii]

don't be fooled americans. you're being baited into the demonization of iran so america can invade and take over the oil. just like iraq.

where was the wall to wall coverage when israel was killing innocents in palestine??

we see what "democracy" does by how screwed up america is.

who the hell are we to talk...??

[ephd]

"where was the wall to wall coverage when israel was killing innocents in palestine??"

Are you joking? There WAS wall to wall coverage when the Gaza offensive occured. On every TV station, newspaper, and website! You conspiracy nuts see lies, deception, and trickery in everything.

[WayAround]

ephd wrote: "conspiracy nuts"

I don't see anything nutty in bhuddaflii's comment at all.

You picked on the weakest sentence in his comment. His other ideas are right on the mark.

By the way, in a previous life, you were a little nobody who said, "John the Baptist is a friggin' nut", weren't you?

[melchg07]

This just shows how much of Iran is wanting to be a more moderate country, that wants to work with the rest of the world.

"Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran." -John McCain

Thankfully McCain/Palin isn't in the white house right now. Surely they would have stuck their noses in Iran's business and have it back fire on us.

[hungry1968-15]

by LCCLYDE June 20, 2009 8:58 PM PDT
Its ironic that just a few weeks ago the rulers of Iran were backing Hamas,Hezbollah was active in killing American soldiers in Iraq.They endorsed 'annihillating Israel" and "Death to America" but in just a weekend the streets of Tehran are filled with the "enemy".Not American tanks or bomber jets marked with the Star of David but a people who want a change,for the better,for some semblance of democracy.Thousands of unarmed standing up against the armed.This to me is the real meaning of a martyr than a suicide bomber.The birth pangs of a people wanting freedom are being felt.






Sad as it is, the people of Iran have been clamoring for democracy for quite a few years now. America's "relationship" with Israel, has constantly and consistently portrayed Iran as "evil" and the "devil", and the stupid American citizenry has been buying it lock, stock, and barrel, because their "faith" in christianity has been blinding them from the truth, for years.

[ephd]

Hungry, you never miss an opportunity to bash Israel, do you? I believe what America and Israel were saying is that the Government of Iran is evil, not the people. Thus, another way of looking at this situation is that the US and Israel were right and the educated people of Iran know that their government is evil. Thus, they have been, and continue, trying to overthrow it.

[hungry1968-15]

Thankfully, the American people already overthrew their religious fueled, ideological driven, people hating theocracy known as the "republican party".

Now the people of the world see what is happening in America, and they want a piece of the action too.

Iran's version of the "republican party" is under severe fire, and the theocracy is going to end up fading away eventually. If not today, then in a few short years. Just like with America, change is coming, and it IS change for the better.

[YrSoWrong]

Some people here are obsessed stupid and ridiculous. Their smug little friendless sickening horse manure of a worldview plays into the schemes of dictators internationally. Women find them weak and men find them repulsive. If they saw themselves as other see them, they'd hang in a Bangkok hotel closet. Like the North Wind, they just ... oh, you know.

[LCCLYDE]

Its ironic that just a few weeks ago the rulers of Iran were backing Hamas,Hezbollah was active in killing American soldiers in Iraq.They endorsed 'annihillating Israel" and "Death to America" but in just a weekend the streets of Tehran are filled with the "enemy".Not American tanks or bomber jets marked with the Star of David but a people who want a change,for the better,for some semblance of democracy.Thousands of unarmed standing up against the armed.This to me is the real meaning of a martyr than a suicide bomber.The birth pangs of a people wanting freedom are being felt.

[ephd]

Well said!

[thusspokezara]

Dear Supreme Leader of Iran. Mr. Obama's comments may have left you somewhat confused. What he is saying is 1. that he has no intention of lifting a finger to help the Iranian masses. 2. he will give you a pass as long as your repression of the people is not too visible.. 3. he expects you to prevail. 4. that he still intends to negotiate with you. So feel free to murder, maim, arrest, persecute, just make sure the world does not see it.

[-Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-]

...Or we could fan the flames with overt belllicosity by listening to ********* like you and demand regime change in every country we disagree with.

[justsane-2009]

this is the way it is supposed to work. the citizens of iran voted. they believe that the election was rigged, and that the rightful winner was denied a victory. they are doing what they can to effect regime change. we are watching from the sidelines, because they are a sovereign nation, and THEY have to be in charge of their own destiny. we are not the world's daddy--the united states doesn't get to decide how other nations are governed.

[stevex47]

My thoughts are with those that want change in Iran.

How supreme can their lying leader be?

Again, my best to the good folks of Iran that want to be part of a solution, not the problem.

[apple2pie]

It is amazing to see how a man (Khamenei) who rose up against a dictator (the Shah) could now have become as evil as the man he fought to replace. Here is a Ismalist Cleric who has blatantly lied to his citizenry of millions and he calls himself a religious man? How can a man before God and his people tell a gross lie to millions? How can a religious leader order the blood split of his people who want the truth? If there is a Devil, it is not the US it is Khamenei.

[Sloughfoot]

Religious leaders have been lying to the masses since the first mass was held. Get a life.

[-Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-]

by tlharrisedfgert June 20, 2009 2:23 PM PDT
Al Gore said that he highly disagreed with the Supreme Court's Decision but that he accepted it. He didn't want people hurt. He probably continued to fight from within and you may have the result as your president. I question wheather the loser in Iraq is doing the right thing. There have been lives lost. That doesn't mean kiss tail. It means be smart. Perhaps it's best he's not in power.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Do you imagine that if we were 'told' a president one by a 63-34% margin and the Supreme Council, er um, Court ratified it there wouldn't have been massive riots in the streets?

[cosmicfluke]

we should have done the same thing in the good ole us of a in 2000 and 2004 when two of our elections were stolen...
instead we focus on the ukraine and iran...
our media, the finger that always points away from the real problem.

[government_control]

obama = weakness

obama = cowardice

obama = appeasement

[apple2pie]

sounds like you've told this lie long enough you believe it

[daffy64]

He must have been reading that "Jesus" book.

[melchg07]

GOP= Incompetence
GOP= Theocracy
GOP= Division

They GOP either will reform to the party they once were.....or they will fade into the past as Iran is pushing for with their Far Right members.

[YrSoWrong]

The liberal approach of offering your wives so the bullies won't beat you is a poor choice this time. The Ayatollahs are very old and they never much cared for women.

[formrusmcsgt]

The demonstrators gathered in open defiance of the country's supreme leader who threatened harsh action if protestors take to the streets again demanding a new presidential election.
----
Dogma seems to be trumped by a desire for freedom....

[babooph]

When the Supreme Court appointed our idiot,after he got less votes than his opponent,our weak minded ate it-look at the horrible results,maybe they should keep to the streets over there.

[PVperson2]

And you neo-con nit-wits want us to get involved, what kind of morons are you that think the US should meddle in Iranian affairs again, didn't the last time time teach you anything?

[Sloughfoot]

All of the World's ladies are beautiful> Now that we have that settled let us get on with business. Freedom is not what You have but what You allow others to have. First basic principle of Freedom; Freedom means to not fear reprisal for your thoughts, words and beliefs. That having been said "Who" in Iran wants "Freedom"? Freedom is a fickle soulmate, her price is paid in "Blood". All Free Nations have paid that price and continue to pay. Now I ask, Who in Iran wants Freedom? and Who in Iran is willing to pay the price? When the answer to both is "Everyone", "Most Everyone" will do, then Iran will be "Free".

[wyodutch]

Like it or not... any government... Iran included... cannot allow itself to be forced by mob rule... into holding *new* elections every time the mob is unhappy with the results.
.
We wouldn't allow that here in America, and we can't expect Iran to allow it.
.
As long as we keep our nose out of it.. the Iranian people will sort it all out.