Tehran, Sep. 3 - Skirmishes erupted between security forces and anti-government protestors in Tehran on Friday which marks the state's annual Qods (Jerusalem) Day. Government-organised marches were held in Tehran and elsewhere.
Paramilitary Bassij forces on motorbikes were roaming the streets toward Enqelab Square in an attempt to intimidate anti-government protestors.
A large crowd of opposition supporters gathered at Haft-e Tir Square, chanting "death to the dictator" and "Neither Gaza, nor Lebanon; I give my life for Iran". State Security Forces and the paramilitary Bassij attacked them.
At Karim Khan and Farahani intersection at Haft-e Tir Square, a couple of hundred people exiting the metro station chanted "Neither Gaza, nor Lebanon; I give my life for Iran". There was a heavy police presence.
The police cordoned off Haft-e Tir and Ark squares. Up to 500 police cars were stationed in the main streets leading to Haft-e Tir Square.
Toopkhaneh Square in south Tehran was also blocked. Dozens of police vehicles were parked there.
In Second Square in Sadeqiya district, some 200 protesters chanted “down with the principle of the velayat-e faqih” (or absolute clerical rule).
The police and paramilitary Bassij attacked them. Clashes ensued and the crowd continued to chant “death to the dictator”.
At least 50 police officers were stationed around Sadeqiya metro station and there were two policemen in each car.
Dozens of people in the train on the Metro’s number-3 line chanted “neither Gaza, nor Lebanon; I give my life for Iran”, before the train stopped at Fatemi station.
Dozens of people at College intersection on Enqelab Street chanted antigovernment slogans and jeered the State Security Forces.
Internet speed slowed to a crawl beginning Thursday evening. No access to email or attachments were available. And facebook webpages would not open even with the help of anti-filtering devices.
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