Thursday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 6.9.2005:

World Cup Qualifier match in Iran stirs celebration and unrest.

Earlier yesterday, Reuters reported that security was tight at Tehran's Azadi stadium before the start of the World Cup soccer qualifier. A symbolic victory was seen when 100 Iranian women forced themselves into the stadium. See photos. Security forces broke one woman's leg in the process.

Then Iran won its game with Bahrain, the score 1-0. This assured them a position in the World Cup playoffs. Iran exploded into celebration. Radio Sedaye Iran reported the streets around the country were filled with people celebrating the victory. See photos.

Then as in the past the celebrations turned political. People began chanting anti-regime slogans since the security forces could not move in the street. Slogans such as:

• Iran, Iran, Freedom
• Down with Dictatorship
• Akbar the Shark - meaning Hashemi Rafsanjani- Iran won't become another Chile
• Guns, tanks, firearms, Bassjis -paramilitary force- should be killed were shouted by many.

It was also reported that campaign posters around the country were torn down or burnt with very few left anywhere in public.

Then there were reports of clashes from several areas of the Greater Tehran and cities, such as, Esfahan, Mashad and Shiraz. Many women were seen throwing off their mandatory veils and security forces and Bassji began attacking the women. Men began protecting the women and began retaliating, in one instance a militia motorbike carrying a club welding passenger was caught by a group of young demonstrators. The militia was beaten and the bike threshed.

The clashes spread to several provincial cities, such as, Hamedan, Tabriz, Mahabad, Keramshah, Mashad, Rasht, Mian-do-Ab, Abadan, Yazd, Kerman, Ghazvin and Oroomiah (former Rezai-e).

Then the reports of injuries started to come in. Reuters was one of the few news services to report the unrest. In Iran, international journalists are only permitted where the regime permits them to go. Violation of this has led to the death of a Canadian photo journalist in the past. As a result, few photo journalists are interested in filming the unrest. There were also reports of heavy damage to some public building and several reports of explosions and injuries.

Eventually, as the numbers in the street died down, security forces stepped in and arrested dozens. Tens of people, including many females, have been hospitalized.

Here are a few other news items you may have missed.

• VOA News reported that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will meet today with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei following news reports the Bush administration is dropping its opposition to a third term for the IAEA chief.
• ABC.net.au reported that inspectors from the United Nations nuclear watchdog have arrived in Iran to visit an underground facility and verify that Tehran has suspended all uranium enrichment activities there.
• Rezapahlavi.org reported that Reza Pahlavi plans to go on a three day hunger strike, in response to a direct invitation by political prisoners in Iran, and he pledged his solidarity.
• Monsters and Critics reported on a hunger-striking detainee's family and friends protesting outside Tehran prison.
• BBC Monitoring Service reported that bailiffs went to Akbar Ganji's house and intended to arrest him but were unable to do so because he was not at home. Some fear they have him and are denying it.
• MyWestTexas reported that, the government of Iran has thrived on conflict in the world, has exported terror, and the mullahs are proud to say so.
• Michael Ledeen said The continued silence and inaction on Iran are shameful and cowardly.
• And finally, the SMCCDI Website back online! Many of our friends here helped in this effort! Thank you all.