Police clash with protesters in Tehran

Police have clashed with protesters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Hundreds of people took to the streets shouting, “Death to Dictators”. They are supporters of two opposition leaders – Mir-hussain Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, who also took part in the protest.

The crowd were angry about the disputed presidential election in June, that led to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad winning a second term. The police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. A reformist website is reporting that police also fired shots, however there is no independent confirmation. Reports in Iran are also claiming that at least five people have been arrested.

The protesters joined in an official rally marking the 30th anniversary of the storming of the US embassy. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the allied Basij militia had warned opposition supporters not to use the sanctioned event as an opportunity to vent their anger. So, anticipating trouble, hundreds of police were in the main squares, ready to deal with the protesters.

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tags: Clashes, Iran