Iran Uprising – March 1st

[Editor: posted here at 2:30 pm EST – check A Time to Betray for updates.]

Iranians across Iran responded to the opposition’s call for protests today, March 1st, to demand freedom and democracy. They are also demanding the release of the opposition leaders, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, who have been arrested and moved to a secret prison by the Iranian security forces.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in every major city across Iran shouting “Death to the dictator,” “Death to Khamenei” and “Ya Hossein – Mir Hossein,” “Ya Mehdi, Sheikh Mehdi” calling the names of Mousavi & Karoubi as a way of announcing their support for him. There was also shouting of “Freedom, Freedom.” Witnesses report that the crowd gathering in Enghelab Square in Tehran is larger than the crowds at the 25th Bahman, February 14th demonstrations. As the time of this report, people were still coming out and the crowd is getting larger.

The Iranian regime, as usual, sent out their dogs: the thugs of the Ansar-E-Hezbollah (the supporters of Party of God); the Basij forces; and the special forces of the Revolutionary Guards. Police also filled the streets confronting the demonstrators. The combined forces used brutal and deadly force against the demonstrators with live ammo and poisonous tear gas. They attacked the protesters with metal bars, chains and Taser guns. Security forces on motor bikes attacked the crowds in waves in an attempt to disperse them.

Clashes broke out in several areas of Tehran and many were arrested by the security forces. Witnesses also report of clashes in front of Tehran University. Reports out of Iran indicate clashes in the cities of Isfahan,Tabriz, Shiraz, Mashhad and Karaj. Another witness reports from Tehran of people attacking security forces near Enghelab Square and setting their cars on fire.

12.04pm EST:Reports out of Iran indicate that the office of Iranian news agency, IRNA, has been turned into a detention center for the arrested protesters.

12.08pm EST: According to eye witnesses, heavy clashes are taking place at Enghelab street in Tehran and the security forces are shooting tear gas to disperse the crowd.

12.14pm EST: Reports out of the city of Shiraz indicate a large gathering on Molasadra street and several other parts of the city where heavy clashes occurred between the protesters and security forces.

12.31pm EST:Reports out of Tehran indicate that security forces are using live ammo and shooting at the protesters. Today’s security presence and violence used against the protesters are unprecedented!

12.50pm EST: Report: People have been attacked violently by the security forces and more than thirty arrested in Palestine street in Tehran.

1.39pm EST: Contacts in Tehran report clashes in several parts of Tehran continuing into the night. Sound of gun fire is heard in Vali Asr street and several other areas of the city.

2.04pm EST: Report: Clashes continue around Enghelab Square and Azadi street and security forces are using Tear Gas to disperse. Also crowd still present and chanting “Death to dictator” in Haft Tir square, Imam Hossein Square and North Amir Abad street.

The opposition has asked for the protests to continue every Tuesday until their demands are met.

President Obama and other leaders in the West need to step up and take control of history. The time has come for them to stand up and loudly support people of Iran and also condemn the Iranian leaders for the crimes they continue to commit against their own people.