Iran cracks down on student protests
Iranian security forces cracked down hard on students who came out in support of the opposition today as the regime sought to limit media coverage of another day of protests in Tehran and beyond.
Video footage that managed to evade official censorship showed crowds chanting “death to dictatorship” and making V for victory signs on the campus of Tehran University.
State media confirmed there had been trouble but blamed “rioters who were not students” clashing with police who surrounded the site. Reports mentioned police using teargas, batons and stun guns to beat back demonstrators.
Mowjcamp, a reformist website, said security forces had fired into the air to disperse crowds in Enqelab Square, in the centre of the capital. Clashes were reported in Vali Asr Square. Protesters taunted basij militiamen with bank-notes, suggesting their loyalty had been bought.