Police, Protesters Clash in Tehran

[unhappycamper]

Police, Protesters Clash in Tehran
November 04, 2009
Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iranian security forces using batons and tear gas stormed anti-government marches in Tehran on Wednesday during state-sanctioned rallies marking the 30th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy, witnesses and state media reported.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that security forces - mainly paramilitary units from the Revolutionary Guard - swept through an opposition march in central Tehran, clubbing some protesters and kicking and slapping others.

There were no immediate reports on injuries or arrests in the clashes in Haf-e-Tir Square - about a half-mile (one kilometer) from the annual anti-American gathering outside the former U.S. Embassy.

The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals from authorities. Media restrictions imposed after the disputed presidential elections in June limit journalists to covering state media and government-approved events, such as the rally outside the former U.S. Embassy.

The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported that police used tear gas in other parts of the city to disperse protesters, making their first major show of force on the streets since September.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/police-protesters-clash-in-tehran.html