Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) – One dead and dozens injured, some of them with gun wounds. This is the toll from the harsh repression of yesterday’s demonstration organized by opposition to the regime in Tehran. The police attacked students demonstrating at Ferdowsi University in Mashad and Sharif University. It was the first demonstrations since the wave of popular unrest swept Iran in 2009. In that year, eight people were killed by security forces.
Some commentators point out that the Iranian protests of 2009 (called the "green wave") set off the sparks that triggered the first protests in Islamic countries. Now it seems that the demonstrations in favour of political reform and democracy in Egypt and Tunisia will give new force to similar demands in Iran.
In Tehran yesterday thousands of people gathered in Azadi Square (Liberation Square) to show their solidarity with the revolt of Egypt and Tunisia, chanting "Death to dictators." The demonstration was banned. Other clashes occurred in various parts of the capital which has about 12 million inhabitants. Protests have occurred to a lesser extent in Isfahan and Shiraz. Iranian opposition leaders were not allowed to leave their houses or participate in the protest.
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