Images and video of the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on protesters streamed across the internet and TV screens this afternoon to the horror and desperation of ethnic Persians living in the United States. Many concerned about the escalating violence posted graphic video on YouTube and Facebook, followed by comments from friends expressing outrage about the events. The safety of families back home is a constant source of anxiety, fueling calls for the international community to take stronger action.
Against guns, knives and teargas, most protesters in Tehran were armed only with stones, green tape and ribbons, and their faith in God. One friend relayed a message from his Uncle, who lives in Tehran: "1700 people were arrested... women are being raped... people are scared to drink the water... this is not a joke. The dead are considered lucky [compared to those captured]."
Although many informed Iranians back Obama's cautious approach, one observer feels differently. Roxanna Soltani, 39, a New York resident, said that President Obama should do more. Although she stressed that she did not support military intervention, she felt that "outside influence is preferable to inside influence at this point. [The protesters] don't have any arms. They don't have anything." She is disturbed that while moderate Iranian voices in the U.S. are claiming to speak for all Iranians, voices within Iran, by contrast, are pleading for help.
She did point to some encouraging signs. Payvand Iran reports that Britain may have frozen 1.6B in assets of the supreme leader's second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is one of the insiders behind the government crackdown. "Rafsanjani may be in Qom," she added. "If he gets enough Shi'ite clergy, if he really does have the support of Al-Sistani in Iraq, they can disrupt the Supreme Leader, they might be able to get them out. But they're still squabbling amongst themselves, and in the meanwhile, they're all dangling. Because they way things are going, there won't be an Islamic Republic, and they're worried about that."
"The moderates never wanted it to get to this point, which is way beyond Ahmadenijad and Mousavi. The conflict gives such a bad name for Islam. But when you have people, from an Islamic country, yelling in the streets 'Death to the Islamic Republic'! do you know what that means? I mean, that's huge! That's what's been happening in the last couple of days. Because this regime has made a mockery of Islam, with the violence they've done."
Today's events included dramatic reports and video of police breaking up a demonstration near the Parliament building, beating busloads of protesters, attacking them with axes, and even throwing people off a nearby pedestrian bridge.
An interactive map of today's events is available here.
The emotional impact of on-the-street video is linking a network of supporters that transcends political and ideological boundaries. Even individuals not directly affected by the events in Iran are deeply moved by the experience of watching the videos linked above, as many are viscerally impacted by the bravery of individuals standing up to repressive black clad forces beating people in the streets, and the final moments of Neda Soltan, propagated on major networks.
Reports also filtered out that Neda's family was evicted from their home, after video footage of her death by government sniper was released and propagated on the major networks. Her neighbors were also forbidden to visit the family, or even to grieve publicly, an important traditional Persian practice.
A rally is planned for tonight at Union Square in Manhattan, from 7pm to 10pm. Attendees are encouraged to come "rain or shine" and "wear black and green." A poster passed on the rallying cry: "If their media can affect us, let our numbers and images of our strength for them encourage them to continue."
Comments
"...beating busloads of protesters, attacking them with axes, and even throwing people off a nearby pedestrian bridge."
What is your source for this? I'll be the last one to defend the current Iranian government, but I heard the report by the Iranian woman who called into CNN. She never said that police used axes on Wednesday against protesting crowds.
Because of the Iranian government's action, the information coming out of Iran is sparse and erratic. Please don't fall into the trap they've set by spreading misinformation. Peacefully protesting and speaking about the subject is everyone’s right. However, as the atrocities in Iran rise, accuracy and clarity become paramount.
John, I agree that accuracy and clarity are important, especially in a "fog of war" atmosphere where it's hard to obtain credible, verifiable information.
Here is the source for reports of use of "axes" which I referred to. Viewer discretion advised.
andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/06/like-butcher.html
threatswatch.org/rapidrecon/2009/06/unimaginable-horror-in-tehran/
As I said, this is a report, and cannot be taken the truth at this point, but it is definitely having an emotional impact on the Iranian-americans I spoke with.
More support for the reports mentioned in this story. Still not to be taken as gospel, certainly, just more evidence.
andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/06/tweeting-wolf-ctd.html#more
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