The curtain is falling. Getting accurate information from inside Iran is becoming more difficult. Major news outlets have had major restrictions placed on them, making accurately reporting on unfolding events difficult. Luckily, social media is playing an unprecedented role in capturing what is transpiring, with video and photographs being leaked on the internet. Twitter also continues to play a role in helping Iranians get information out. Some foreign users have also been attempting to help, offering suggestions as to how those within the country can elude being identified online. But there are also some guidelines to consider before getting involved.
According to the BBC, another mass protest has taken place again today in Tehran despite the fact that Mir Hossein Mousavi has urged his supporters not to rally in fear of clashing with Ahmadinejad supporters, including the Basiji, a volunteer paramilitary force subordinate to the Revolutionary Guard. According to a report filed by The Guardian yesterday, an estimated 12 people were killed on Monday.
Yesterday, Britain’s Channel 4 news was able to provide some footage of members of the Basiji opening fire on a crowd…
While Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered the Guardian Council to investigate Mr. Mousavi’s claims, Mr. Ahmedinejad has left the country altogether to attend a summit in Russia – which is unfortunate given that one would assume the gravity of the situation would cause foreign leaders pause with regards to viewing Ahmedinejad as the duly elected President, something that only strengthens his position.
Despite Mousavi’s appearance at yesterday’s rally at which he told the immense crowd that he would “pay any cost” to contest the Interior Ministry’s election results, rumors still abound that he has been placed under house arrest or that his movements are being controlled or limited.
While initial reports placed the size of yesterday’s rally at roughly 100,000, many are now reporting that there may have been upwards of 1 million people in attendance. Unfortunately, given its immensity, there is no way to know for sure.
