Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Revolution Anniversary Sparks Warning to Protesters

Iran's police chief, Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam, warned dissidents early this week that any protests related to the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution would be met with stiff opposition on the part of government security forces. He argued that is the responsibility of the government to curtail situations that threaten national security, especially under the banner of "sheer criticism". Prominent Iranian opposition leaders have called for citizens to take to the streets demanding that their rights be respected and their opinions heard.

Moghaddam also stated that Iranian forces, in an effort to maintain control of the situation, use "professional technology to prevent damages", such as monitoring text messages or email accounts of known dissenters. Protests have been ongoing in the nation ever since a highly controversial election in June allowed President Ahmadinejad to retain the Presidency despite accusations of fraud.

By: Nick McGuire

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