In Iran, protesters clash with security forces
December 28, 2009 - 0:0
The Iranian capital on Sunday witnessed sporadic anti-government protests on the anniversary of the Shia Muslim Ashura religious event, with security forces clashing with protesters.
Protestors took to some central and downtown streets in Tehran, hijacking the Shia Muslims Ashura event during which people commemorate the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson, Hussein (PBUH).The protesters reportedly chanted slogans against top Iranian government officials.
Meanwhile, Iranian police forces fired shots into the air and tear gas to disperse protestors.
In a separate report, Tehran's police chief Commander Azizollah Rajabzadeh dismissed certain media reports claiming that several anti-government protestors were killed by security forces.
""Police has not fired any shots in Tehran and security forces were not in possession of fire arms,"" Commander Rajabzadeh told ISNA.
According to witness accounts, several banks, bus stops and a number of trash-cans were set on fire during the protests.
A report published by reformist news websites Parlemannews and Kaleme said that the nephew of defeated presidential candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi has been shot dead by unknown assailants.
(Source: Press TV)