Protests Around the World Demand Iran Release Activists
Protesters across the world called on Iran Saturday to end its clampdown on opposition activists, demanding the release of hundreds rounded up during demonstrations against the country’s disputed election.
The AP reported that several groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, backed a global day of action. Protests were planned in more than 80 international cities.
As before, Iranian police and Basiji militiamen attacked and scattered hundreds of protesters who had gathered in Tehran in response to the global demonstrations of solidarity.
Demonstrators in the Iranian Vanak and Mirdamad districts chanted “death to the dictator” and “we want our vote back” before they were attacked and beaten by police Saturday. Witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.
Several hundred people staged a rally at Paris’ Trocadero square overlooking the Eiffel Tower. “We’ve had enough of religious regimes that don’t have the Iranian people’s best interest at heart,” said protester Sakineh Davoodi, a 50-year-old from Iran who has lived in France for 23 years.
“Innocent Iranians are being killed,” said Hessam Moghimi, 27, an Iranian who has lived in Pakistan for about eight years. “We want justice for the blood that’s been spilled.”
Reminiscent of Hungary’s uprising in 1956, the whole world is watching. This time, technology and the internet permit the communication of details that were formerly obscured by the limations of futile radio pleas for help.
Will there be a difference in the end?
