Iranian activists back on the streets

There have been fresh protests in Tehran despite a government ban on public shows of dissent.

Iran’s capital and other major cities had been calm for almost two weeks since a firm crackdown on widespread post-election demonstrations.

But July 9 marks the anniversary of violent unrest between students and pro-government forces in 1999 and remembrance rallies have been held every year since.

This year though the tension was heightened after last month’s deadly clashes, which were fuelled by allegations that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rigged his election win.

The police and militia loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader were again out in force on Thursday, using tear gas to disperse crowds and detaining several people.

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tags: Demonstration, Iran, Politics