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Iran National 'Day of Mourning': Thousands Rally in Tehran

by Rob Walker | June 18, 2009 at 05:41 am

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Pro-Mousavi supporters took to the streets of Tehran again on Thursday in support of a national day of mourning for those killed in post-election violence. Opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi called on his supporters to dress in black in a sign of mourning.

Hundreds of thousands attended the rally at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Square on Thursday for another day of protests.

Mir-Hossein Mousavi attended the rally with his wife where they stood on their car and waved to protesters. There were no immediate reports of violence or injuries during the rally.

A follow-up march and rally is planned for Saturday.

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Chanting Allahu Akbar (God is greatest) and dressed in black, they gathered in Imam Khomeini Square, a day after Mousavi called on supporters to gather in mosques or at peaceful rallies to show solidarity with the victims and their families.

During previous protests, at least five students were killed when pro-government supporters and militia stormed Tehran's university, arresting around 200 students and beating many of them. Two others were killed during marches protesting president Ahmadinejad's win of the election last Saturday, though there are unconfirmed reports of many more deaths.

Foreign journalists remain banned from reporting on the protests and internet and cell phone access remains difficult. Twitter and social networking sites are still the most popular way to find out any information.

Tens of thousands of people joined what was billed as a "silent" protest rally on Wednesday, wearing green wrist and head-bands in the colour of Mr. Mousavi's campaign and carrying banners accusing re-elected President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of having "stolen" their votes in Friday's poll, witnesses said.

Iran's top legislative body says it is investigating 646 complaints from the three defeated presidential candidates over last week's election.

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albertacowpoke

at 06:50 on June 18th, 2009

Let.s hope this one stays peaceful and no more killings.

Foreversideways

at 09:46 on June 18th, 2009

This was just a small and peaceful demonstration in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, England by Iranians in support of their fellow countrymen and women in Iran. It consisted of about 20 men and women carrying flags, pictures of the demonstrations in Iran and cards asking the question "where is my vote". For a time it looked like Community Support Officers were going to break it up, however it appeared that after consulting the police it was allowed to continue. I felt that the local people in the gardens were generally supportive.

Foreversideways has contributed a photo to this story.

Pythiian1

at 11:49 on June 18th, 2009

Apparently, there's a slight change among the chatters between Iranian expats & those inside the country, in that some have stated that their movement is more than just being "Mousavi's supporters".