Emergency in Mashad Universities: Injured Students of Mashad’s Universities Disappear
Jaras Exclusive: Today (Thursday), a day after the bloody attack on Mashad’s Azad University which led to the injury of a dozen students and possible martyrdom of two students, the Special Unit forces, security forces, and thugs known as “Ansar” laid university to a siege, and there is the possibility of them attacking at any moment.
Jaras reports that a number of those arrested yesterday were released, but there is no update on the condition of other arrested students and especially injured students that were brutally taken away in government vehicles.
Last night in protest of the bloody attack on Mashhad’s Azad University, students of Ferdowsi University of Mashad staged spontaneous, limited gatherings. Students of Ferdowsi University have circulated calls for vast protests today and tomorrow at the university. The conditions around Ferdowsi University and its surrounding streets are reportedly under heavy presence of security.
The vast presence of oppressive uniformed and security forces around Ferdowsi and Azad Universities of Mashad is apparent.
Students of Azad University of Mashad are gathering to stage a protest against what took place yesterday.
Some of the student activists of Azad University who have not been arrested yet, together with a number of professors, are trying to find out about the conditions of arrested and injured students in the bloody events of yesterday.
Lack of updates on the conditions of the students of this university that were knifed and injured by security and Ansar forces increases the possibility of two student girls having been martyred. These two were injured around the neck area and were taken away to an unidentified place by plainclothes forces while drenched in blood and unconscious.
Security and Judicial Officials of Mashad were silent on this matter, and by supporting those who assaulted, they have seriously angered the students.
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
Three Students of Mashhad’s Azad University Martyred
Iran News Agency – December 31, 2009
Iran News Agency’s correspondent: Based on received news, yesterday, three students at Mashhad’s Azad University were martyred by plainclothes forces. Two boys were killed by a knife and a girl was thrown off the third floor of the dormitory.
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
A Report on the Oppressive Forces’ Fear and Terror
Today was another day when the government forces who were present from Azadi to Imam Hossein feared the people who were only walking in the streets in silence.
At 2:30 PM (Tehran Time), we started to walk from Azadi (Square). At each intersection, particularly the main ones like Shadman, Khosh, Roudaki, they had placed anti-riot police armed with batons. The parking of Greater Tehran police station on Azadi Stret was full of vans and armed vehicles. As we approached Enqelab, the number of security and plainclothes forces grew larger.
Around Enqelab Square was also full of anti-riot and plainclothes forces who were controlling the traffic of people. Anti-riot forces were standing in two lines, one facing the street, the other facing the pedestrians who were on the sidewalks. Both sides of the street were filled with people who had come to protest in silence.
Unlike previous days, where the police would controlled the pedestrian overpass, there were three or four plainclothes agents stationed there in order to arrest anyone who would take pictures or films of the security forces. However, people were aware of their presence and were advising one another against any indiscretion.
There were also a few women who were searching women’s handbags. A lady, angered by the invasion of privacy, walked toward them screaming “Who are you, and how dare you search my bag?” The two female agents, visibly terrified, were asking her to quiet down but she continued to yell in order to inform people.
We went toward Valiasr where the entire area surrounding Shahr Theater was filled with anti-riot police sitting on their motorcycles, and plainclothes individuals who were controlling the crowd. The number of forces in this area exceeded around 400. More than 20 Special Unit vehicles, four buses, five mini-buses, and eight mini-vans which had brought the forces to the area were parked around Daneshjoo Park. The forces were so terrified that they would stop the taxi cabs and force people in them. Nevertheless, people had no intention of leaving and the streets were still very crowded.
The anti-riot police and plainclothes agents were navigating and maneuvering in the street on motorcycles or by cars. They had clogged all the side streets usually used by demonstrators as a refuge when attacked by government forces. People passing by were saying that such shows of force by the government is a sign of how much Ashoura’s protests had terrified and threatened the government.
- Siavosh, Persian2English
A Report on the Oppressive Forces’ Fear and Terror
Today was another day when the government forces who were present from Azadi to Imam Hossein feared the people who were only walking in the streets in silence.
At 2:30 PM (Tehran Time), we started to walk from Azadi (Square). At each intersection, particularly the main ones like Shadman, Khosh, Roudaki, they had placed anti-riot police armed with batons. The parking of Greater Tehran police station on Azadi Stret was full of vans and armed vehicles. As we approached Enqelab, the number of security and plainclothes forces grew larger.
Around Enqelab Square was also full of anti-riot and plainclothes forces who were controlling the traffic of people. Anti-riot forces were standing in two lines, one facing the street, the other facing the pedestrians who were on the sidewalks. Both sides of the street were filled with people who had come to protest in silence.
Unlike previous days, where the police would controlled the pedestrian overpass, there were three or four plainclothes agents stationed there in order to arrest anyone who would take pictures or films of the security forces. However, people were aware of their presence and were advising one another against any indiscretion.
There were also a few women who were searching women’s handbags. A lady, angered by the invasion of privacy, walked toward them screaming “Who are you, and how dare you search my bag?” The two female agents, visibly terrified, were asking her to quiet down but she continued to yell in order to inform people.
We went toward Valiasr where the entire area surrounding Shahr Theater was filled with anti-riot police sitting on their motorcycles, and plainclothes individuals who were controlling the crowd. The number of forces in this area exceeded around 400. More than 20 Special Unit vehicles, four buses, five mini-buses, and eight mini-vans which had brought the forces to the area were parked around Daneshjoo Park. The forces were so terrified that they would stop the taxi cabs and force people in them. Nevertheless, people had no intention of leaving and the streets were still very crowded.
The anti-riot police and plainclothes agents were navigating and maneuvering in the street on motorcycles or by cars. They had clogged all the side streets usually used by demonstrators as a refuge when attacked by government forces. People passing by were saying that such shows of force by the government is a sign of how much Ashoura’s protests had terrified and threatened the government.
- Siavosh, Persian2English
Human Rights and Democracy Activist of Iran (December 31, 2009)
Message from Students at Polytecnic:
At least 10 of our classmates have been arrested right now and most likely are under severe pressure. Due to this reason, the end-of-term examinations should not take place. We will not write our exams until our classmates have been freed. Saturday, 8:00am at the university’s yard.
پیام دانشجویان دانشگاه پولی تکنیک
دانشجويان پلي تكنيك : حداقل 10 نفر از همکلاسی ها مون الان در بازداشت هستن و به احتمال زیاد در شرایط سخت و تحت فشار شدید.امتحانات پایان ترم تا موقعی که همه دوستان مون آزاد نشدن نباید برگزار بشهدر اعتراض به کشتار مردم در روز عاشورا و در حمایت از همکلاسیهای در بندمان در امتحانات پایان ترم حاضر نمی شويم|. تا آزادي آزادی همکلاسی هایمان در امتحانات حاضر نمی شویم/شنبه،8 صبح، صحن دانشگاه
Iran News Agency: In the wake of the rise in anti-government protests, and high participation by youth in the demonstrations, the regime has resorted to pseudo pro-government rallies to counter the opposition.
One of the dirty tricks used by the regime to lure people into the streets and into such demonstrations is seduction by financial incentives. For example, in the Law Faculty of the University of Tehran, to encourage participation by students, anybody taking part in these sham gatherings is awarded with a bank account in Maskan Bank. The same trick is employed in public (government run) companies and offices where employees receive a financial reward for showing up at pro-government rallies.
- Siavosh, Persian2English
Jaras: Sporadic clashes started at Behesht Zahra (Tehran’s main cemetery) today.
According to a Jaras reporter, these clashes have started in Section 9 of the cemetery, where Ali Moussavi, Mir Hossein Mousavi’s cousin [who was shot and killed on Sunday] is buried. A large group of people had gathered at his grave since hours ago.
- Siavosh, Persian2English
Jaras: Sporadic clashes continue in Valiasr Square.
According to a Jaras reporter, Special Guard forces have positioned themselves in Valiasr Square and are attacking protestors who have gathered in small groups.
Eye witnesses are reporting widespread arrests and some claim dozens of people have been arrested.
It is noteworthy that Special Guard and military forces have appeared in Tehran carrying arms. Special armed vehicles have been brought to Tehran from Karaj (Tehran’s suburb) this morning.
This is the first time since “bloody Saturday” (June 20th), the day after Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech [threatening protesters in Friday prayer’s sermon] that these armed vehicles are seen in Tehran.
- Siavosh, Persian2English
- Maryam, Persian2English
-Maryam, Persian2English
Regime More Alone and Weaker than Ever: the government's show in Isfahan ended in defeat
Iran News Agency - December 30, 2009: The reports received indicate that the government's never ending efforts to bring the people to the streets in support of Khamenei and the entire regime have failed. The heads of government who took a hard blow on the day of Ashoura tried in the past two days to strengthen the government's shaking pillars through the use of propaganda in the media and various tricks such as provoking the people's religious emotions by claiming that the protesters insulted Ashura, Islam, and the Qur'an. The people of Iran did not fall prey to this old trick. The people's lack of attention to media propaganda resulted in the presence of only a few hundred of Basij and government mercenaries in Enqelab square of Isfahan.
This ordered gathering and the government's ridiculous show in Isfahan, which was directly shown by the government media, was so fruitless that even the government websites could not cover it up. People's lack of support for the government shows in Isfahan happened while the News Channel or Channel 6 was continuously covering the event from early morning. But even this desperate effort failed to gather people in Isfahan. The reports received from other cities indicate that the condition of the government supporters are critical and only a few are willing to participate in the demonstration in support of the regime. Perhaps the best description of this scene will be when the hand-chosen representatives of the Leader themselves have to go to the streets to save their seats by participating in the demonstrations. In any case, the dictatorial regime is in hard times, and the people's indifference and the public opposition to these dictators have caused these dictators to find themselves more alone than ever.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
The Government’s Plan to Dispatch a Large Group to the Streets in Support of Khamenei: Schools Closing on Thursday
Iran News Agency – December 30, 2009: The government has cancelled the midterm examinations in Tehran’s schools in order to bring students to the streets. According to received reports as well as the statement of the Ministry of Education, it is planned that all the students of Tehran’s schools from all grades to be taken to the streets for a demonstration in support of Khamenei. In accordance with this, and in order to boost the students’ morale, Tehran’s Ministry of Education postponed the midterm examinations that were scheduled for Thursday. A gathering in support of the Supreme Leader is planned to start on Wednesday at 3:00 pm sharp. However, due to the lack of public support for this gathering, despite all the government’s efforts, the regime has been forced to use students and teachers to fill up the area around Enqelab square. Tehran’s Ministry of Education estimates that each school can bring at least 100 students and teachers to the streets. The main role here is played by the education departments of the districts that encompass Enqelab Square.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
Basij Moved to Enqelab Square to Show Formal Support for Khamenei
Iran News Agency - December 30, 2009
Basij and government mercenaries are preparing Enqelab square for an ordered demonstration against the people who expressed their protest against the dictatorship on Tasooa and Ashoura. A large number of Basij members are putting up amplifiers and clothes bearing slogans for the ceremony on Wednesday. The plan is for the public buses throughout the city to be under complete control of the Basij, who will be transferred to Enqelab square from neighboring parts of the city such as Robat Karim, Shahrbar, Karaj, etc. The received reports indicate that the government is planning to bring Basijis from other cities to Tehran to partake in this show of support for Khamenei.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
Dr. Kianoosh Saeedi Arrested on the Day of Ashoura
Human Rights Reporters Committee: 60 year old Dr. Kianoosh Saeedi who holds a chemistry PhD was arrested on the day of Ashoura (Sunday, December 27) on one of Tehran’s streets.
His family says they witnessed his arrest, but their referral to judicial sources has been fruitless and nobody is claiming responsibility. Dr. Saeedi has only called home once to let them know about the arrest. His family still does not have any information on the place and status of his detention. His old age has led to some concerns on his status.
Some media outlets believe more than 1000 were arrested on Ashoura.
The irresponsibility of government sources in regard to those arrested on Ashoura has increased the possibility of arbitrary measures on them.
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
Arrest of Niloofar Hashemi Azar, Architecture Student of Tehran University
Iran News Agency – December 30, 2009
Niloofar Hashemi Azar, architecture student of Tehran University, was arrested along with her mother.
Citizens, Thought and Expression Rights: Niloofar Hashemi Azar, architecture student of Tehran University was arrested along with her mother, Shahrzad Nasiri, on Ashoura (Sunday December 27) on Jamalzadeh Street.
Human Rights Reporters Committee reports Shahrzad Nasiri, mother of this jailed student, was released on conditions yesterday around 4:00 pm, but Niloofar Hashemi has been sent to Evin prison.
Fierce clashes between government forces and protesters on the day of Ashoura led to the killing of several people. Police has declared names of eight of those killed in Ashoura in a declaration. Also, several news agencies reported the arrests of hundreds of people and some have estimated the number or arrests to be in the thousands.
Commander Radan, deputy commander of police has claimed only 300 were arrested.
Herana News Agency
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
Colt-armed goons attack the protest gathering of Azad University students in Mashad
Iran News Agency – December 30, 2009
Iran News Agency correspondent – Mashad: From 11:00am to 1:00pm today, December 30, students at Mashad’s Azad University organized a protest in the architecture faculty to protest the martyrdom of people on Ashoura and the subsequent arrests.
The main student’s slogans were against Khamenei. After the gathering, Basij goons swarmed the university with plainclothes and started going after students with water hoses, batons to disperse them. All the Basij mercenaries who entered the university were armed with colts.
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
Deceptive Tactic to Gather Goons in the Defense of Khamenei
Iran News Agency correspondent: Following the huge protests of freedom-loving people of Tehran and other cities on December 27th, the regime has used threatening tactics on all civil servants, employees, government workers, and even drivers of Vahed Bus company and employees of similar organizations to force them to take part in the show demonstrations against the people’s uprising on Ashoura. They have been transferred to Tehran’s Mahdieh to put on these lousy shows.
- Arash Azizi, Persian2English
Regime’s Desperate Efforts to Gather a Crowd in its Support: Ordering Tehran’s Schools to Send Students to the Demonstration
The government ordered schools to send their students and staff to the pro-government demonstration. The government also ordered schools to cancel all final exams on Thursday so that students can attend the demonstration on Wednesday. The government warns to punish those who defy this order.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
Students from the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Tehran Gather in Protest to the Repulsive Forced-Confession Projects of the Government
Iran News Agency: On December 29, a group of students from the engineering faculty of the University of Tehran gathered in front of the office of the president of the university. This gathering lasted from 10:30am to 11:30 am. In this gathering the students objected to the forced confessions taken from five chemical engineering students, and described it as preparing the grounds for more suppression. It should be mentioned that five students have been accused of tearing Khomeini’s picture, and the students have confessed to the action.
A student activist said that the free-spirited students all around the country will be proud of doing such a thing. But the five arrested students were not involved in such activities and the forced confessions are meant to suppress the students of this university.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
The families of those arrested gather in front of Evin Prison
Iran News Agency: On the morning of December 30, 500 people and families of the arrested in the extensive Ashoura protests gathered in front of the door of Evin prison until 12:30 pm. Yesterday, there was another gathering in front of Evin prison. On the morning of December 29th, from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, more than 100 family members of those arrested had a gathering in front of Evin prison. An eyewitness said that at 6:30 pm, two or three buses containing those arrested entered the prison.
- Bahaar, Persian2English
