Eight Iranian protesters die in clashes
Updated on 27 December 2009
In Iran, eight opposition supporters have reportedly been killed during violent clashes with police in several cities across the country. Samira Ahmed reports.
One of the victims is reported to be the nephew of Mir Hossein Mousavi, the former presidential candidate.
It is the worst violence in Iran since the disputed elections back in June.
Tonight Iranian state television reported that dozens of police officers had been injured, including Tehran's police chief.
These anti-government protests took place on the national holiday of Ashura - one of the most sacred commemmorations of Shia martyrdom. Perhaps that is why the government did not deploy the army.
Police and militia were seen beating demonstrators and shooting into the crowds.
But in Tehran as in other cities, the large crowd vented their frustration on the security forces, taking over a police station in the capital; and setting fire to the motor bikes of the hated militiamen, who sped in to crowds to administer beatings.
Photos and amateur footage were the only record of the scale of the defiance and the crackdown.
The website of the opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi says his 35-year-old nephew was one of the protesters shot and killed in Tehran today and posted photos of his body.
Another opposition website claims other protesters were killed in Tabriz. Many more were said to be injured. Troubles were reported in Ishfahan, Najafabad, Shiraz and Zanjan; but not the holy city of Qom, where previous demonstrations had been suppressed.
Some diplomatic observers suggest President Ahmadinajad may impose a tougher crackdown and deploy the army if the protests continue into tomorrow, once Ashura is over.
Viewers may find some of the images disturbing.
