Monday, June 22, 2009

Hundreds protest in Iran, despite warning

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Hundreds of demonstrators angry over recent presidential election results gathered in a public square Monday in Iran's capital city, despite a stern warning by Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Riot police and Basij militia dispersed large crowds from congregating in Haft-e Tir and arrested at least eight people, eyewitnesses said.

This comes as the guard warned that it would meet protesters who "disturb the peace and stand up to security forces" with a strong response.

Internet postings on Twitter, Facebook, and an Iranian opposition leader's Web site mentioned a 4 p.m. (7:30 a.m. ET) vigil for Neda -- the young female protester who became a rallying cry and a symbol for the opposition after her death was caught on camera.

It is unclear, however, if the people were at the square for a vigil. Signs and banners about Neda and candles have not been seen.

The Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force that takes orders from the Revolutionary Guard, cleared a pedestrian overpass near the square as two choppers were seen hovering overhead. Most stores around the square were closed with some guarding against damage by erecting steel fences on their windows.

In one incident, a Basiji told a woman who wanted to sit in the park that she had to leave because of security concerns.

"What is the security issue with just sitting in the park?" she asked. And the Basiji pushed her way from the area. Video Watch how women are on front line of protests »

In a statement according to Iran's state-run news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran's Revolutionary Guard said "the guardians of the Islamic revolution and the courageous Basiji together with the security forces following the orders of the supreme leader and following him unquestioningly, are determined to act strongly to return peace and tranquility to society ... and to clean the country of these plotters and hooligans."

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