Tehran Protests Turn Into "Bloodbath"

Iranian Police Reportedly Attack Crowds With Batons, Tear Gas; Witnesses Describe Protesters Being Thrown From Bridge

(CBS/AP)  Last Updated 1:48 p.m. EDT

A demonstration near Iran's parliament turned into a "bloodbath" Wednesday, a source in Tehran told CBSNews.com.

Thousands gathered at the parliament building for a silent protest, reported the unnamed source. But scene took a violent turn when more than 1,000 police and Basij militia arrived to disperse the crowd.

"It turned into a bloodbath ... they threw some people off the bridges...after the Basijis came, they began to use tear gas, sticks and shooting," he said.

Earlier Wednesday, Iran's supreme leader said that the government would not give in to pressure over the disputed presidential election, effectively closing the door to compromise with the opposition.

But reformist leader Mir Hossein Mousavi's official Web site said that a protest was planned nonetheless outside Iran's parliament Wednesday afternoon. It distanced him at the same time, calling the demonstration independent and saying it had not been organized by Mousavi.

IranWatch: Track the latest on the Iran election upheaval.

Mousavi's mixed messages about the demonstration reflected the dilemma facing the unlikely opposition leader, a longtime supporter of Iran's government thrust to the head of a pro-democracy protest movement.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered protests to end, leaving Mousavi with the choice of restraining followers or continuing to directly challenge the country's ultimate authority despite threats of escalating force.

Other reports of the violent crackdown flooded the Internet Wednesday, though accounts of the clashes could not be confirmed.

CNN interviewed a female witness to the clashes who hysterically described the violence.

"They beat a woman so savagely that she was drenched in blood," she said.

The woman also said she saw "security forces shooting on people."

There were rumors a young girl was taken to the hospital after being shot by security forces, though that report could not be confirmed.

State media continued to insist Wednesday that the dissent was being stoked by outside groups bent on destabilizing the country, including the CIA. State TV also reports that two terrorists have been arrested in connection with the protests.

Mousavi's wife, Zahra Rahnavard, a former university dean who campaigned beside her husband, said on one of his Web sites that his followers had the constitutional right to protest and the government should not deal with them "as if martial law has been imposed in the streets."

She called for the release of all activists and others arrested at protests.

Meanwhile, Tehran's mayor is calling for Iranian authorities to legalize peaceful opposition protests, according to a report on Iran's PressTV.

In an interview on Iranian TV, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said easing restrictions on rallies would prevent "saboteurs who draw weapons and kill people."

Mousavi, a former prime minister, saw his campaign transform into a protest movement after the government declared that hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the overwhelming winner of the June 12 election.

Mousavi said the result was fraudulent and Western analysts who have examined available data on the vote said there were indications of manipulation.

His supporters flooded the streets of Tehran and other cities after the vote, massing by the hundreds of thousands in protests larger than any since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Security forces initially stood by and permitted the demonstrations.

Khamenei ordered an end to protests on Friday and security forces beat protesters and fired tear gas and water cannons at rallies the next day. At least 10 protesters were shot, according to official tallies.

An unconfirmed report stated that the country's powerful, 86-member Assembly of Experts - headed by former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani - is split in its support for Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. However, neither is expected to lose their positions.

Khamenei's comments come on the heels of a conservative candidate withdrawing his complaints about voting fraud for the sake of the country, state television reported.

The announcement by Mohsen Rezaie, a former commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, moved the cleric-led government one step closer to a final declaration of victory for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. State TV reported that Ahmadinejad would be sworn in sometime between July 26 and Aug. 19.

State media have said that at least 17 people have been killed in post-election unrest. Amateur footage of a 27-year-old woman bleeding to death from a gunshot on a Tehran street unleashed outrage at home and abroad.

Despite the heavy security, a few Iranians apparently dared to venture onto the streets to pay tribute to that victim, who has been identified as Neda Agha Soltan.

On Wednesday, smouldering embers of candles were clearly visible on a street corner in central Tehran, where a vigil was held the night before for the slain young woman.

Another opposition figure, reformist presidential candidate Mahdi Karroubi, called for a day of mourning for those killed in protests since the election. Some social networking sites suggested that the mourning would take place Thursday.

Amnesty International said Wednesday it was concerned that arrested demonstrators were at risk of torture or other ill treatment. It urged Iranian authorities to give the detainees access to their families, lawyers and any medical treatment they might need.

"Anyone detained solely for their peaceful expression of their views regarding the outcome of the election should be released immediately and unconditionally," it said.

Two players on Iran's national soccer team, Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, resigned for personal reasons, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported. The pair were among several team members who wore wrist bands in green - the colour of Mousavi's opposition movement - before a World Cup qualifying match played last week against South Korea in Seoul.

In weighing the direction of the protests, Mousavi appeared to be trying a compromise approach: He has made no public appearances since Thursday but he has issued strongly worded statements calling for supporters to continue demonstrations.

The protest set for Wednesday could set the stage for new confrontation.

"On the current situation, I was insisting and will insist on implementation of the law. That means, we will not go one step beyond the law," Khamenei said on state television. "For sure, neither the system nor the people will give in to pressures at any price." He used language that indicated he was referring to domestic pressures.

He told opposition supporters to halt their protests and blamed the U.S., Britain and other foreign powers for instigating unrest.

Iran also said that it was considering downgrading ties with Britain, which it has accused of spying and fomenting days of unprecedented street protests over the vote.

The government accused Britain of using spies to foment the unprecedented street protests and Iran expelled two British diplomats Tuesday. Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that two Iranian diplomats were being sent home in retaliation.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was asked about the option of reducing diplomatic relations with London after a Cabinet meeting in Tehran.

"We are studying it," Mottaki said, according to state television.

On Tuesday, President Obama hardened his rhetoric on the crackdown, saying the world was "appalled and outraged".

"I have made it clear that the United States respects the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not interfering in Iran's affairs," Mr. Obama said. "But we must also bear witness to the courage and dignity of the Iranian people, and to a remarkable opening within Iranian society."

Mr. Obama had been avoiding harsh condemnation of Iran's government, which often labels domestic unrest as the work of foreign agents.

Iran expelled two diplomats from Britain - a nation it bitterly accuses of meddling and spying - and Britain in turn sent two Iranian envoys home. There was no immediate word Wednesday on any Iranian reaction to the speech by Mr. Obama, who had been trying to warm relations with the Islamic Republic.

[mysteriousjz]

Enough of these cheap propagandas.... a vocal minority is being given so many headlines, while Korea is ready to exterminate US.... why are "you" all so much meddling with Muslim world? Let them deal with themselves.

Why is there ceaseless quest for enemy to destroy? You have no enemy until you make one.

"You" are all over "there" because your enemy is there? Wrong! You have enemies because you are all over "there."

You don't need to look for an enemy anywhere. Just look in the mirror.

[Thalia-9]

by pauldia-2009 June 24, 2009 4:23 PM PDT

Are you stationed at a military hospital? Or a med student in Iran @ a civilian hospital?(there's always someone on the boards trying to pose, so it's hard to judge) if ligit, stay safe -

[Thalia-9]

by despido June 24, 2009 12:44 PM PDT
In my opinion, the posts in this forum demonstrate the fact that American's still have difficulty relating to any culture other than their own. Just as Iraq created Hussein, Iran created the Ayatollah. This type of government - iron fist and razor sharp sword - is the only type of government that works with these cultures. When you have a strong presence of religious extremism change is very slow coming, and bloodshed is normal and expected.

Iron fist and razor sharp sword is "The only type of gov that works w/ these cultures" ?? Well, American's 'ideals' aside, have you considered that perhaps the current Iranian gov is the one who can't fathom giving up the 'control' of the the people, by the iron fist and drawn sword, and maybe the people are tired of being dictated to and forced without choice, of faith, who they will marry or whatever else the gov has demand in? you make it sound like the citizens are all a bunch of unruly children and they 'need' that type of governing...the world is constantly changing, and the people of Iran who would like to have a say in their own lives are being killed for the mention of it - it ain't right.

[despido]

I do not dispute that the Iranian government is reluctant to surrender control. In fact, I believe they never will unless violently defeated. The government in Iran is the government chosen for the young protestors by their parents. By 1979 The Shah had brought Iran out of the stone age, opened the world of opportunity for women, freedom of and from religion and was the West's strongest ally but the young wanted to return to the stone age. Under the guise of 'freedom' for the people, Jimmy Carter took a hands off approach, the Shah skipped town and the people cheered the return of that now familiar stone age mentality.

I have no sympathy for a people that seem to change forms of government every generation and expect the world to come to their rescue. They over threw the government in '79 and thought it was cool. Let's see 'em over throw this one. They'll die trying.

[prometheus21]

The irony of course being that religious tradition is dictating much of this, particularly who they will marry, the government and notions of liberty, freedom and justice and equality being subordinate.

The despicable irony of course being that an American would question such a system that dictates what constitutes marriage for all.

[prometheus21]

Mousavi's mixed messages about the demonstration reflected the dilemma facing the unlikely opposition leader, a longtime supporter of Iran's government thrust to the head of a pro-democracy protest movement.

It's interesting to note that as the actual protests wind down, the "pro-democracy" propaganda by the American Propagandist is ratcheting up. No longer an opposition protest to the election results, but apparently now a "pro-democracy" movement made up of a voting minority population that wants majority rule through some expected "compromise" that has nothing to do with voting. It's also interesting that while less opposition people are protesting (more look like they're burning American flags to me), there are more hysterical descriptions of violence and even apparently recycled descriptions of violence against protesters -- which kind is unclear.

[pauldia-2009]

1:33 pm: The Guardian has this account from a medical student inside Iran.

I only want to speak about what I have witnessed. I am a medical student. There was chaos at the trauma section in one of our main hospitals. Although by decree, all riot-related injuries were supposed to be sent to military hospitals, all other hospitals were filled to the rim. Last night, nine people died at our hospital and another 28 had gunshot wounds. All hospital employees were crying till dawn. They (government) removed the dead bodies on back of trucks, before we were even able to get their names or other information. What can you even say to the people who don't even respect the dead. No one was allowed to speak to the wounded or get any information from them. This morning the faculty and the students protested by gathering at the lobby of the hospital where they were confronted by plain cloths anti-riot militia, who in turn closed off the hospital and imprisoned the staff.

The extent of injuries are so grave, that despite being one of the most staffed emergency rooms, they've asked everyone to stay and help--I'm sure it will even be worst tonight. What can anyone say in face of all these atrocities? What can you say to the family of the 13 year-old boy who died from gunshots and whose dead body then disappeared? This issue is not about cheating (election) anymore. This is not about stealing votes anymore. The issue is about a vast injustice inflected on the people. They've put a baton in the hand of every 13-14 year old to smash the faces of "the bunches who are less than dirt" (government is calling the people who are uprising dried-up torn and weeds). This is what sickens me from dealing with these issues. And from those who shut their eyes and close their ears and claim the riots are in opposition of the government and presidency!! No! The people's complaint is against the egregious injustices committed against the people..............
Obama's Peace Partner?

[skydrifter1]

It's absolutely unbelievable that such a thing could happen in these times.

I saw essentially the same thing going on during the Seattle WTO protests; it was sickening. President Clinton's Federal Agencies, including the CIA, were advising the local "Gestapo" army of 'riot' police.

Imagine the elected government of Iran putting down anarchy in the streets. There should be a law.

I'm shocked, I tell you - shocked!

[johnbrown8888]

This shows how close U.S. Neocons like Reaganites and the Ayatollah Assaholah really are--this kind of beating and abuse was something that Reagan and the Alameda County Sheriffs specialized in, and it gladdened the hearts of neo-fascist Reaganites.

So what's the beef with Iran? Just doing what their Repig betters in the USA taught them about dealing with dissenters.

[ToolMangler1]

by shawnp1968 June 24, 2009 11:31 AM PDT
Sorry to tell you, but we've got people yearning to be free, being beaten like animals (mostly by the police as well!)right here in our own country!!! You're problem is, is that you think it's the U.S.'s "responsibility" to intervene anywhere in the world that something that YOU don't like takes place!!! You think it's ok to stick your nose into other peoples business, and to give your opinion when it isn't asked for (that's why you live a lonely life with very few friends!) If the U.S. would just butt out of their business, let them perform their own version of "population control", eventually they will wipe themselves off the map!!!

Let's not forget, G.W. Bush is the one who put us in such "fine standing" with the Muslim world! So you can stop pretending that this is Obama's fault, because anyone who has a hint of education knows better than that!!! LOL




Well said!!!! 100% agreement

[mrjustice1]

THE IRANIAN REGIME IS IRRATIONALLY STEEPED IN RELIGION

and should not be recognized as a legitimate govt.

In addition, it's warped leaders' mindset is a danger to all mankind.

[onesword]

If we had McCain in office this nation probably would have been in utter destruction by now with the BOMB, BOMB, SURGE, SURGE theories.

[notblue]

The surge in iraq worked or it would still be in the news, remember leftwing central never publishes good news in regards to Iraq.

[onesword]

But can you honestly say that we will not be involve in other situations that we are facing now. Like being in combat with Iran over their election process or because of (idle) verbal threat given by North Korea. Would McCain cost us more lives and money?

[melchg07]

Not Blue- fails to comprehend that just as many troops were there in the beginning of the invasion......the so called surge was just a re-deployment to prior troop levels (perhaps a few thousand more than originally there)

What Not Blue fails to take into account was that the Anbar Awakening was what shifted the momentum along with moderates disgusted by the acts that terrorist brought to their country.

They hated us, but they began to hate the extremists more......

The 'surge' helped but it most certainly wasn't the deciding factor in the war.

[DouglasEdwards]

There was no million protesters. That is the lies the Fox News lackys are saying to get us to buy their BS. By making us obey them so they can get us to buy their versions of Bush! The entire economic ruin was because they let Bush lie to us about weapons of mass destrution while the rich (like news casters) raped our economy.

[hamiltongrad]

You are a moral idiot.

[despido]

In my opinion, the posts in this forum demonstrate the fact that American's still have difficulty relating to any culture other than their own. Just as Iraq created Hussein, Iran created the Ayatollah. This type of government - iron fist and razor sharp sword - is the only type of government that works with these cultures. When you have a strong presence of religious extremism change is very slow coming, and bloodshed is normal and expected.

The East Germans peered over a wall and watched Westerners flaunt a hedonistic lifestyle for 40 years before moving to break their bounds. The mid-East has been watching for centuries with little effect. Even if Mousavi won, there would have been minimal change. Get used to it.

[legacyabq]

well, I have to agree with this...

But, lately, there has been some signs of improvement..

Look at Bahrain for example!

It will get better eventually..

People will always eventually, even if it takes centuries, rise up against oppression..

Unfortuneately, they just get oppressed by the NEW government!

LOL!

[Oregon_State_OSU]

The People of IRAN want change and its going to be another 4 years and then the election will be much different.

[zamorin44]

This "bloodbath " claim is to be corrobarated.Till then we could take it only as a claim.

[anti-global2]

The truth is the majority in Iran have a nice standard of living and do not want change. The reports of a fixed election have no evidence behind them. As a mater of fact check out this link
http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/articles/iran-pre-election-polls-had-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-ahead-by-20-percent-061609002.html
and you'll see the the reform candidate only had 14% of the vote, the president of iran did have the majority of the votes.
We in the U.S. do have reason to hate this guy, but it is not our country and not our business. When the students and the intelectuals become a majority there will be change but it is a long way off, they only make up around 10% of the population. Another thing we need to consider is the majority in Iran do not want and are scared of the type of freedom we have here.
I think this is the CIA instigating trying to start a revolt and hopefully a coup. If so fine but in the case it falls apart and people start pointing fingers at the CIA don't act offeneed and schocked, because chances are it is true.
also to those saying they have a right to protest when they want ask yourself this:
In 2012 if a conservative were to beat Obama and become President, would you think it ok for masses of pissed people to shut donw businesses and cities?

[prometheus21]

I'm not sure why the CIA is always needed to explain an effort fueled mostly by a propaganda campaign that has equal if not more effectual partners in the western "free press".

The American Propagandist (AP), the BBC and NPR (Nationalist Propaganda Radio), just as a cross-representation, all have reporting clearly biased against current governments like those in Iran, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and most definitely supportive of countries like Israel. The hypocrisy of that unflinching support even when confronting gross moral challenges and obvious obscuring of the truth, even when it hits you right between the eyes (the first reports of Russia invading Georgia come to mind) is legendary. Who needs the CIA when you have a press that isn't free or transparent to the democracy that is guaranteed it?

[mjm117]

DouglasEdwards - Do you really feel that this is about an election? I mean, on the surface it is...but come on. This is about people fed up with how they are treated and controlled.

To all of you Obama haters...there is nothing he could do that would gain your acceptance anyway...so keep spouting the rhetoric you hear on Fox News. Damn, even your savior on the No Spin Zone has said that he thinks Obama has done a fair job on the Iran situation.

[notblue]

It was reproted in Iranian news that as many as two million protested at one rally and march, that is a bit more than a few hundred. Secondly, these protesters did so under the threat of physical harm or even death. Typical lib, midigate the savagery of the ruling radicals and minamize the brave efforts of these protesters.

[legacyabq]

what do you meain, antizionist??

There were thousands of protesters! Do you think the CIA paid them?!?

LOL

Many Iranians do not enjoy living in an oppressive theocracy..

WHO WOULD?!?!?!?

[DouglasEdwards]

This is nuts. There is no proof of voter fraud, and the Chatham House article never said there was. This artice has no calculations to prove any of the results the current president got in the election was not got by honest process and the corporate lackys on Fox news can claim a 'blood bath' to try to start a war! Is anyone in Congress going to protect us from the rich? These rich people are trying to get people killed. I rember the news reports from the '69 democrat convention in Chicago. There is not a close thing happening between that and Iran. What we need is a million people busting into the House and showing the lackys in Washington what a voters revolt is.

[despido]

Obama prefers to hope for a dialogue with Ahandinejad and will do nothing to opose or iritate him. Obama has openly and repeatedly stated the U.S. will never move against a muslim nation.

Sorry protestors.... You're toast.

[legacyabq]

Why is that?
What does it have to do with us?
What? Do you think we are supposed to INVADE iran or something?!?

Over their election?!? And when did Obama ever say that??

ALL COUNTREIS avoid war if they can, because PEOPLE DIE IN THEM.

You are blaming Obama? who is only 1 man in a huge government?

For what exactly?!? You are simply as stupid as a cow!!

[legacyabq]

Why is that?
What does it have to do with us?
What? Do you think we are supposed to INVADE iran or something?!?

Over their election?!? And when did Obama ever say that??

ALL COUNTREIS avoid war if they can, because PEOPLE DIE IN THEM.

You are blaming Obama? who is only 1 man in a huge government?

For what exactly?!? You are simply as stupid as a cow!!

[impeachbhb]

You are wrong. Once Obama sits down and meets with Ahandinejad the Middle East peace process will move very quickly. Obama really supports the murder and violence against the protestors. He only made the statements at the press conference to keep his approval ratings up. You have no idea of the work he is doing behind the scenes to keep the current regime in power.
Could it be that Obama actually feels he can gain peace once Israel is out of the way and his muslim friends are happy? Just as sure as he is successfully moving this country to socialism.

[credibility2]

...until change, maybe the smart thing to do would be to not protest...another episode when the coward Mousavi cowers behind his doors and walls, while perhaps issuing yet another statement to his deaf supporters...

[mljohns00]

Hardly a "bloodbath". What's happened in Iraq since 2003 is a "bloodbath". This is nothing in comparison.

[notblue]

First of all this article has nothing to do with Iraq, secondly, the Iranians are also responsible for the "bloob bath" in Iraq. Why is it you libs blame only America and only one side of the political equation when it comes to Iraq? Why don't you people ever blame the Islamic radicals? I guess you hate Americans worse.