The Latest from Iran (27 December): The Day of Ashura

2225 GMT: Karroubi Comments. Mehdi Karroubi has issued a statement offering condolences for today’s martyred protesters and condemning those carrying out oppression: “The sins that you have committed today cannot be forgiven by God. If you don’t have a belief in God, at least be a human.”

Karroubi offered a sharp comparison, asserting that even the Shah respected the day of Ashura and gave orders for people to be able to commemorate it as they wished..

2155 GMT: Closing and Wondering. As we get to the end of the day, a tentative assessment of the signficance, "A 5-Minute, 5-Point Reaction to The Events of Ashura". (For those who want to see what 24 hours can bring, see our analysis yesterday in Edward Yeranian's article for the Voice of America.)

2150 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz reports that the brother of Abdollah Nouri, Minister of Interior in the Rafsanjani and Khatami Governments, was severely beaten in Isfahan today.

NEW Iran: A 5-Minute, 5-Point Reaction to The Events of Ashura
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December — 3rd Set)
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December — 2nd Set)
NEW Latest Iran Video: The Ashura Protests (27 December)
NEW Iran: A Tehran Map for Today’s Events
NEW Iran Uncovered: The Top-Secret Obama-Ahmadinejad Relationship
NEW Iran: The False US Friends of the “Iranian People” (An Open Letter to Charles Krauthammer)
NEW Latest Iran Video: Attack on Jamaran Memorial/Khatami Speech (26 December)
Latest Iran Video: Eve of Ashura Protests (26 December — The Jamaran Videos)
Latest Iran Video: The Eve of Ashura Protests (26 December)
The Latest from Iran (26 December): The Eve of Ashura Demonstrations

2040 GMT: Desperation. Press TV, citing Fars, reports --- presumably with a straight face:

A source with the Iranian Intelligence Ministry has announced the arrest of a number of Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorists in the anti-government protests that sparked in central Tehran.

At right, a stunning photograph to set beside the story: an anti-riot officer, wearing a green headband given to him by demonstrators, joins the "MKO terrorist" crowd.

2035 GMT: Martial Law?! Rah-e-Sabz is reporting that martial law was declared at 9 p.m. local time in Najafabad.

The website is also claiming "unprecedented police violence" outside the IRIB buildings.

2030 GMT: Ashura & Mousavi. A crowd have gathered outside Ebn-e-Sina Hospital to mourn and support the family of Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mousavi's nephew Seyed Ali died in the hospital today after being shot in demonstration in Enghelab Square.

2020 GMT: The US Comments. The White House has issued the following statement:

We strongly condemn the violent and unjust suppression of civilians in Iran seeking to exercise their universal rights. Hope and history are on the side of those who peacefully seek their universal rights, and so is the United States.

Governing through fear and violence is never just, and as President Obama said in Oslo -- it is telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.

2005 GMT: AUT News reports on Internet chatter we've heard all evening: Mohammad Moin, the son of Mustafa Moin, former reformist Presidential candidate and Minister in the Rafsanjani and Khatami Governments, was arrested today.

2000 GMT: The Ashura "Martyrs" in Tehran. Rah-e-Sabz has named the five people killed in the capital today: Mehdi Farhadi Nia, Mohammad Ali Rasekhi, Amir Arshadi, Shahram Fraji, and Seyed Ali Mousavi.

1950 GMT: What We're Watching. Reports of clashes outside buildings of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and in squares and avenues across Tehran: Mirdamad, Karegar, Enghelab, Azadi, Tajrish, and 7 Tir.

1835 GMT: And Tonight? From a distance, it feels like the final round of a heavyweight boxing match. The challenger --- having landed some mighty blows and even putting the champion (if you can call the regime "champion") on the ropes --- has punched himself/herself out.

So the protests tonight are smaller, with security forces preventing a mass gathering. For example, groups tried to congregate in Mohseni Square but were contained along Mirdemad Avenue.

Yes, it feels like the final round. Except that you and I know it is far from the final round, right?

1715 GMT: I'm Telling You, They Set the Koran on Fire! That's Fars News' latest attempt to tarnish the protests (which only hours supposedly had not occurred).

1705 GMT: A 3rd set of videos from today is now posted.

1635 GMT: Rouydad is now reporting on the Arak protest and clashes, and we have video from there and Najafabad.

1550 GMT: Beyond Tehran. Josh Shahryar is summarising:

Protests in Mashhad can be confirmed now. Protesters gathered outside Grand Ayatollah Sane’i’s house and at Imam Reza’s Shrine. At least 17 people were arrested – most of them students. Many people were injured in clashes as well.

Protests in Babol can be confirmed too now. Many protesters – including a young girl – were beaten badly by security forces here.

The number of people arrested in Tehran has reached at least 10. The number is probably going to rise. At least 4 people were also killed here.

So far, the protests could be confirmed in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Babol, Ardabil, Qom and Najafabad.

In addition, an Iranian source is reporting protests and clashes in Arak.

1510 GMT: Mousavi's Nephew Dead. A "close aide" to Mir Hossein Mousavi has confirmed the killing of Mousavi's nephew Seyed Ali by security forces this afternoon.

1500 GMT: Understatement of the Day. Press TV takes the gold medal: "The Iranian capital on Sunday witnessed sporadic anti-government protests on the anniversary of the Shia Muslim Ashura religious event."

Sporadic?

1420 GMT: Parleman News is reporting that Seyed Ali Mousavi, Mir Hossein Mousavi's nephew, was shot and killed in today's demonstrations. Mousavi was reportedly slain in Enghelab Square around noon local time (0830 GMT).

1350 GMT: Rouydad News is reporting clashes in Tabriz, with "probably at least four" killed.

1330 GMT: The Official Interpretation. Islamic Republic News Agency writes that a "cult of Mousavi" has caused chaos in Tehran, damaging public property and inconveniencing citizens.

IRNA also tries the story of a group of students out to cause trouble, with foreign media on hand to report "uproar and chaos".

Fars News reports on same lines,

1245 GMT: Taking the Streets? We have been busy looking at and uploading footage, starting a second set of vide0s, of the demonstrations. The images indicate that, at least for periods today, protesters have beaten back security forces --- despite the first deaths in months --- and taken control of sections of Tehran.

Rah-e-Sabz, still under cyber-attack, has reported, "Police forces are refusing their commanders' orders to shoot at demonstrators in central Tehran....Some of them try to shoot into the air when pressured by their commanders."

1135 GMT: Reports now of protests in Babol.

1130 GMT: Still a fluid situation with reports of gatherings and clashes throughout Tehran and in other cities. We have posted the first set of videos from today, including dramatic footage of protesters fighting back against security forces, especially at College Bridge (Pole Kalej). One report claims the forces relinquished Val-e Asr Square to demonstrators.

1025 GMT: Reformist websites are now confirming the 4th death. Reliable sources says a 5th person has been killed outside Amir Kabir University.

0955 GMT:  4th Death? Sources are reporting that a person has been killed in demonstrations at Vali-e Asr.

0950 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz confirms that its site is under attack.

0940 GMT: Mardomak confirms no live footage from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, unlike past years, of Imam Hossein Square in Tehran.

Meanwhile, Ironic Journalism Award of Day goes to Press TV. After showing ceremonies in Zanjan (but not Tehran), the channel reported very seriously that Moharram marches have been banned in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

0930 GMT: We've posted the first claimed video of today's protests and also the link to a useful map of Tehran.

0925 GMT: Beyond Tehran. Reports now coming in of protests in Isfahan, Shiraz, and Najafabad.

0915 GMT: Deaths of Protesters? Rah-e-Sabz (which is up but is difficult to access because of overload) is reporting three people killed and two injured in the area near Kalej Bridge (Pole Kalej).

0830 GMT: We are watching carefully the torrent of claims of clashes across the capital, including claims that security forces have backed away at certain points in the face of determined protesters. BBC has now posted, "Tehran police 'fire tear gas at opposition protesters'."

0815 GMT: Mardomak reports tear gas fired in Enghelab Square and clashes in Imam Hossein Square. After clashes at Amir Kabir University, the crowd has been dispersed.

0810 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz, before it went down, also reported tear gas at Vali-e Asr.

0805 GMT: Fancy a Lighter Moment? It promises to be an intense day, so if you need a break, have a look at our special world exclusive, based on minutes of investigative journalism, "The Top-Secret Obama-Ahmadinejad Relationship".

0755 GMT: Watching reports of clashes at Imam Hossein, Vali-e Asr, and Enghelab Squares.

0745 GMT: The reformist site Rah-e-Sabz, a key source in recent days for "Western" media, has just gone down. The site had just reported tear gas used in Enghelab Square and the closing off of Vali-e Asr crossing.

0740 GMT: Mardomak is reporting clashes at Ferdowsi Square and heavy traffic around Pol-e Choubi.

0715 GMT: First unconfirmed reports of clashes in Tehran, mainly at Imam Hossein Square and 17 Shahrivar Street.

0711 GMT: Nothing to See Here, Go Away. Press TV still repeating the history and religious background of Ashura over and over, against live shots from Taft. Just keep talking --- even though nothing new is being said --- and maybe no one will notice the current political context and events.

0700 GMT: Press TV are carrying live shots of the Ashura ceremony in Mashhad and Taft. No word of Tehran, however.

0655 GMT: The reformist website Rah-e-Sabz reports an "extensive security presence" in Tehran, noting in particular forces around Imam Hossein and 7 Tir Squares.

0640 GMT: Drama and Polemic. We've posted stunning footage of yesterday's attack on the Jamaran memorial.

And we've finally caught our breath to highlight our analysis of the embrace of the "Iranian people" by American "false friends", trying to use the movement to extend US power in the name of the "new birth of freedom".

0625 GMT: A hat-tip and a heads-up for coverage of events. While we were down because of host problems yesterday, we noticed the good work being done by the LiveBlogs of The Daily Nite Owl (EA correspondent Josh Shahryar) and of IranNewsNow. Both are already in action this morning.

0605 GMT: AUT News reports that, in addition to the disruption of the Jamaran memorial and the speech of former President Mohammad Khatami by plainsclothes "thugs" (see yesterday's updates), 2000 Basiji surrounded the mourning ceremonies at Dar al-Zahra last night.

Ferehsteh Ghazi has a detailed report, in Persian, of the events and violence at Jamaran. Robert Mackey's blog for The New York Times draws from several sources for a summary.

0600 GMT (0930 Iran time): The holy day of Ashura, marking the death of the third Imam, Hossein, at the hands of Yazid's forces at the battle of Karbala, has begun. Government forces reported "in large numbers at all intersections from Enghelab to Azadi Squares" in Tehran.

Comments

[Bill]

Scott,

Just tried http://www.rahesabz.net/ and i was able to access it after a few trys. My only thought is you might not be getting it because it's choked with traffic or is being limited somehow.

Thx
Bill

[Tweets Cover Iran’s Demo]

[...] The Latest from Iran (27 December): The Day of Ashura  [...]

[Bill]

numerous tweets(situation out of police control):

thomas_adolf: RT @J1T2 Tehran like a war zone at this spot: http://bit.ly/6uV7qP #iranelection #sog #bbc #cnn #abc
half a minute ago from web

jhod: RT @devlar14freedom: RT @jomhirani: Radio: aljazeera reported that the police have no control of the crowds anymore #iranelection
half a minute ago from TweetDeck

MJOffen: Update19: People have broken through the lines of security forces at Parke Daneshjo and Valiasr #IranElection #Iran (via @JShahryar)
half a minute ago from Twitterrific

PersianWarrior1: Tehran is out of security forces control #iranelection
half a minute ago from web

[Kayvon]

Scott,,
I must say that so far you are ahead of all others in reporting the unrests across Iran ,, you know it is still hard for me to digest that a man from right the other side of the globe, at Christmass, is doing this 24/7 ?! its noon here when its midnight over there and midnight here when noon there, still you are at it and you dont get tired of it either ,, when you said you have Ahmadinejad's e-mail address, and dont ask where you got it from !! I thought, where could you possibly get this from ? in Starbucks ? Na ,,, From AN himself ? Na ,,, From some one in his office ? Na again ,,, From within Iran ? being generous there is a %5 chance ,, but hay there is another possibility here that I would give a good %65 to it ,, before saying it I should remind everyone here that lets not forget that our Scott has some staff there who dont even name themselves,, also due to his past behavior, it is most likely that he does have a share of the $20m or the $70m that the US government has allocated to this cause ,, which would surely be from the US intellegance and the counter intellegance such as from the CIA or the Pentagon ,, We know finding AN's e-mail address should be a piece of cake for our bro's at the CIA,, so maybe you got the address from or through them ? no ?
As an Iranian living in Iran, I would have to see a tangible evidence that you are doing this for our good ,, something that would suggest that you really intend to do something to balance out the mess you created for us in 1953 ,, what we have inherited today is certainly the fruit of the tree that was planted by your Kermit Roozvelt in 1953 ,, so have you now decided to change course and settle the old deals now ,, I certainly hope so ,, you know its a pitty our governments are so much at odds because Iranians and Americans are good friends and get along good too ,, but you did it, you created this mess for us,, now you have to get us out of it too ,, it is only then that we can say history is good to learn from ,,
However,, thanks for all your efforts Scott ,,

[Afshin]

4 people reported dead !! If they dont control the people today they will have lost one of their main weapons. Guns only work if you can scare people, once they go past the fear of the bullit, it becomed useless. Killing people on Ashura is an incredible gamble by S.L and A.N. The people seem to be calling theit bluff.

This may turn out to be the greatest day of victory for the people.

[Afshin]

@Kayvon

I think the e-mail was a joke. Also i believe Scott and the lads are in UK not US.

[Kayvon]

Afshin

They are in US ,, but even if they were in UK, it would make no difference as to the nature of this site ,,

[Afshin]

The e-mail story was a joke not real. This is a news site that also reports on the crimes of ISRAEL !!!

I took the time to read and respond to your post, do with it what u like, will not continue this discussion.

I think you are focussing on the wrong things, fighting the wrong enemy... 4 of your countrymen have just been murdered.

[Megan]

Epersianradio reports gun shots are heard in the military academe that is near leader resident.

Does anybody know more?

[Afshin]

@Megan

Reports, still unconfirmed.

[Megan]

Thanks, Afshin.

[naj]

Moharram marches have been banned in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
this is hilarious. I have been keeping an eye on fars news; but they seem to react to comments. As soon as I made fun of one of their reports, it was removed!

[Kayvon]

Afshin
you said you read the post but I find that you still did not undrestnad its true meaning ,, I am not fighting any enemy here and I dont consider Scott as an enemy either,, this is very obvious from what I wrote ,,
However, lets not close our eyes on the truth of things either ,,
you say 4 people just died ,, but there is absolutly no confirmation of this ,, tear gas fired, yes ,, paint bullets, yes ,, but live amo,, still no ,,
can anyone confirm 4 killed by live fire ?

[Megan]

Is it true that Khamenei lives in the Kakhe Mar Mar, one of the Shah's former residence? Kakhe Mar Mar is across the street from the Military Academe

[Kayvon]

Megan
I have been to that location many times and I know it well ,, The Marble Palace or the 'Kakhe Marmar' was built by Reza Shah in 1920's and was used by the Shah till late 70's too ,, afterwards and now, it is the office of the head of the expediancy council , being Mr Rafsanjani, but he has not used it for a long time either ,, However, the supreme leader's residance has always been said to be at that location but not this palace but a different location since the Kakh area and Pastur Ave where this large compound is located is a vast area ,, no on eknows if the leader is there or not ,,

[Megan]

Kayvan,

Listen to epersianradio.com. They have several reporters in the crowd. Here is the video proof of a body being carried away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYvyzXfkdLM. Is this enough? If not go there in person.

What purpose do you the heck see for us making up stories about people dying? ???

[Afshin]

How can u manage such a crowed !!?? The question Khamenei must be asking him self now..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrHz8dVCS-k

[Kayvon]

Megan ??
Who said that I think you are making this up ?? you surprise me man ,,
I said there is no confirmation of it ,, does this mean to you that I mean you are making it up ?
thank you for the link but the internet is so painfully slow here at the moment that its almost impossible to see any videos ,, but if you have seen it and can confirm that its today then I will take your word for it ,,
I am not your or any one elses enemy ,, I just want the truth of things to be in front and not the gossip ,,

[Megan]

Chants about khamenei are getting pretty harsh

Khamenei Olagheh, yek dastesham chlaaghe. Translation: Khamenei is an Asshole and one of his arms (hands) is paralyzed

Nage ma nage ma, rhbar aldange ma. Translation: our shame is our clown leader.

[naj]

Keyvon,

The "democracy" fundings do make grant money for many academics who have an interest and a genuine care for a cause--they also fund their graduate students, their travel and equipment expenses and they produce publication and conference reports. How well they do, how attractive and relevant to that cause they are, produces points for further recruitment of personnel and resources. I find it democratically normal for the UK or the US to invest in academic programs that tackle some of the political and economic issues that are relevant to their interest; just as I understand Ahmadinejad investing in a revisionist program to re-examine holocaust!

Ahmadinejad's email is very easy to have; you should just go to his web site actually! But, as you may have well been following ahmadinejad's operation in the past four years; he is very concerned about his media image abroad. To that end, he has been very generous in funding academic visits to Iran be it for scientific purposes, or anti-war political scientists. What Ahmadinejad has forgotten to consider, however, is that people who are Anti-war are not pro-fascism! We may then assume that if someone cared about keeping Iran safe from an Israeli-promoted war with the Bush-goons; he/she will also work tirelessly to help people's cause for social justice and political freedom.

As an Iranian who is on the phone with Iran; and travels to Iran, I have to admit that the Western Media often exaggerates the events. Just because the revolution is "twittered" doesn't mean that it is as large in scale as the twitters make it look.

I was in Iran in the previous round of 18-Tir University unrest; I went to university dorms (with my brother) and saw the "security" forces; but the CNN made the hightened security which was to protect students from Basijis look Iran like a police state where the police was installed to frighten ordinary people!

We have our saying: yek kalagh chehl Kalagh. And twitter is a great place for that kind of narrative formation!

[Afshin]

@ naj

Are you looking at the videos ?
If anything thye west is neglecting what is happening in Iran !!!

800.000 people in Qom alone for Montazeri !!?
People chanting openly DEATH to Khameni !!!
Millions of people time and over again in Tehran !!!!

These are just images from Iran today. Anyone not aknowledging that Iran is on a path of revolution must be blind or not wanting to see...

http://gfx.aftonbladet-cdn.se/multimedia/dynamic/01102/1ai_1102712l.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrHz8dVCS-k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXsWwq7WLbk

[Megan]

Kayvan,

I am not a man.

Thanks for info. on Kakh Mar Mar.

I hope you hold regime and its thugs to the same high truth telling standard.

[Afshin]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW New Picture

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/assets/images/2009/12/27/091227112113_Ashoura_512x288_ap.jpg

[Sea of Green Video Dec 26 &amp]

[...] #Ashura LiveBlog: Fluid situation w demos & clashes across #Iran; reports of protest victories http://enduringamerica.com/2009… #IranElection 12 minutes ago from Twitter – Comment – Like – Share – Hide [...]

[Megan]

Naj,

The fascist regime of Iran is the master of exaggeration. The credit for yek kalagh chel khalagh goes to its founders, regime thugs. Let us not give the gold medal to twitter.