Today's Iran-N. Korea Soccer Game makes regime nervous

Security forces across the Islamic Republic are on alert today. They have been authorized to exert " more control" across the country in order to shut down pro-democracy demonstrations they fear may follow today's soccer match with North Korea.

The game which is being played in North Korea will be viewed by millions of Iranians watching on television. The game has already started ( it is scheduled to run from 11am to 1pm Tehran time). It appears the regime is hoping that since the game is being played early in the day and will be viewed on television, rather than at a local stadium, they will be able to better control pro-democracy demonstrations. Post soccer game celebrations have been an opportunity for such demonstrations in the past, such as those last week.

The Student movement information service also reports:

Security forces and the Bassij paramilitaries are to be deployed in major cities like Tehran, Esfahan and other main western cities from noon onward.

They will try to prevent any gatherings from taking place, which might lead to hostile demonstrations.

Roadblocks have been planned and are to be installed in main thoroughfares in strategic areas of big cities.

Fire trucks with water cannon and patrol cars will be deployed in main avenues while intelligence officers and plainclothes agents will be deployed on side walks.

Despite all these measures, Iranians are expected to go into the streets from 14:00 and big gatherings are to take place around 19:00 (local time), after the soccer match.

Things will get tense in the next few hours. I will post reports if any significant pro-democracy demonstrations take place.
Saturday is the next most likely date pro-democracy forces will confront the regime, as it is the final day of the Iranian New Year celebrations.