IRAN: Protesters advised to carry roses as weapons
July 8, 2009 | 3:19
am
Keep quiet under all circumstances, the circular advises those planning to march in Thursday's unauthorized demonstrations in Iran cities.
"The heaviest weapon to carry is one rose in the hand," it says.
As Iranians prepare for what could be another violent day of confrontations Thursday between demonstrators and security forces, including pro-government plainclothes Basiji militias, supporters of opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi have distributed instructions to try to keep any anticipated violence to a minimum.
The marches, which are taking place amid continued political discord over the June 12 election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, are meant to mark the 10-year anniversary of the storming of Tehran University dormitories by pro-government militias and subsequent weeks of unrest.
The circular urges marchers to avoid wearing the green that has become the official color of the Mousavi campaign or "flashy make-up" in order to demonstrate the marchers' serious intent.
It suggests demonstrators leave cellphones and jewelry at home and carry only an identification card and relatives' phone numbers.
If protesters decide it's too risky to take part in the rally, the circular advises them to walk or drive around in their own neighborhoods, flashing the "victory" sign with their fingers.
"Bear in mind the most important point is to walk to the destination and not follow the exact path," the message advises. "Wherever you see the anti-riot police or militia ... hindering you ... change your path ... the goal is to keep on going."
Photo: A protester shows a victory sign and white rose as people protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in Brussels on June 20. Credit: Yves Logghe / Associated Press
soroush@ ---- you sound tired and pessimist! Iranian people do not think that for a few weeks they can have a radical change in Iran. They are doing their best in the current circumstances to gain some leverage from the regime in order to lead a better and a decent life. ---- It is extremely unrealistic and rather insane to expect a radical change at this stage. It might take a short time or a longer time and no one can predict that. But by looking back at major event in Iran's history such as the Tobacco Protest (1891-92), Constitutional Revolution (1906-11), and Islamic Revolution (1978-79) it is easy to realize it takes some time for things to fall in their places. Instead of saying a few courageous words you are singing songs of doom and defeat. It would be very terrible for any people to listen for an advice from an egoist who sees himself in the center of things from far away. If you are unable to say something nice about the brave and courageous people of Iran, please, keep your comments for yourself.
Posted by: Michael Clayton | July 09, 2009 at 07:43 AM
ed@ ----- You have already lost the bet. There is nothing in this universe to break a strong will. How then Iranians beat the Shah armed to teeth?
Posted by: Michael Clayton | July 09, 2009 at 06:44 AM
The following is from Web site of Mr. Mir Hosssein Mousavi on July 8, 2009:
"Ahmadinejad's son-in-law, Mehdi Khurshidi Azad, has been disowned by his father because he lashed out at him in defense of the incumbent's re-election. Ayatollah Khazali, a leading supporter of Ahmadinejad, disowned his son Mehdi for statements he made on his website claiming that the Iranian president was of ----- JEWISH DESCENT. It is said that Ahmadinejad changed his name from Saburjian to hide his Jewish heritage." Why there is no news about this?
Posted by: Michael Clayton | July 09, 2009 at 06:36 AM
I echo the words of Lewis W. Neuterman. The Iranian people are setting an example for the rest of us. I salute you all.
Posted by: Armenia | July 08, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Iran will never be free. Freedom must be earned by discarding the ignorance of religion and killing your oppressor. They posses neither the ability nor the means to do either of these things. My money is on the side that has guns. Guns equal freedom. The hardliners will crush the protesters, throw them in jail, torture or kill them and it will be all over in 6 months.
Posted by: ed | July 08, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Pray for a lasting Peace in the middle east
Posted by: Brother Bill | July 08, 2009 at 10:10 PM
The rose. The Flower of Hope from Tiennamen Square to Tehran Square.
Posted by: Brother Bill | July 08, 2009 at 10:07 PM
We pray for a lasting Peac in the Middle East. Carry the Rose, the flower of Our Spiritual Mother.....Mary
Posted by: Brother Bill | July 08, 2009 at 10:03 PM
God bless all the good people of Iran who want liberty from oppressors who call themselves men of God. God desires us to submit willingly and he needs no one to force submission, that is why He gave us free will!
We are praying for you,
We feel your heart and desire for liberty.
Dear God, we ask you to please remover the oppressors from power. we know it is you spirit that is stirring the hearts of the Iranians toward freedom. Please God, scatter the enemies of liberty in Iran! Amen
Posted by: Rise Up | July 08, 2009 at 09:39 PM
The people of Iran need to be free of the crazies that are in control of the government
Posted by: Neil H. Wenberg | July 08, 2009 at 09:20 PM
I agree with Mike wholeheartedly. The 1979 revolution didn't occur peacefuly or thereafter and carrying roses or not speaking up, or even flashing headlights will never bring about change. The only way left now is to come out united and armed to take back our country from a bunch of thieves and murderers masqurading as representatives of God! having said that, it is not an easy task and yes will take months and we need support from all good people in this struggle of right against wrong!
Posted by: Amir | July 08, 2009 at 09:18 PM
dont give up, fight an trust in God, the God who gave his son Jesus to die for all humanity.....
Posted by: Godhelpusall | July 08, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Wish you guys all a safe and successful day tomorrow. Don't give up...
Posted by: Basiji Hunter | July 08, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Dear Kay, I have to underline my statement and add that is not a Jewish propaganda, since the Iranian regime and many Iranian pro- regime, whenever they read some thing truth or about real Iranian actuality and they don't like it, they think a Jewish have written it or organize it for them. Regarding the Iranian Jewish community, I know by fact that they are very successful in Iran and abroad, specially in USA and we are proud of them and I'm sure that they want the best for Iran.
Posted by: soroush | July 08, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Iranians should fight for secularism and reject theocracy and despotism. Lion is rising. Good luck...
Posted by: Tom | July 08, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Long Live Iran
Thank you all for all the support we have received through your prayers and thoughts. Thanks for all the support you (non Iranian Origins) give to us. It means a lot to all of us. May God bless all peace loving Jews and Christians and Muslims and all other faith and beleives. Please continue support us throught your prayers.
God Bless
Allaho Akbar
Shalom
Posted by: PERSIANLION | July 08, 2009 at 03:31 PM
you are lier
I live in iran and i didn't things that you said
they were bad men and they wanted fire banks and stores
i was there and i saw them
polices wanted that they didn't fire
down with USA & BRITANIA
THEU ARE DEVILES FOE IRANIAN PEOPLE SINCE 28 MORDAD 1332 TO NOW
Posted by: iranian | July 08, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Site for Neda (Our Neda):
http://nedayema.org
Posted by: Masonic | July 08, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Dreamdeer,
What is the source of your information? Are you just making this up? Moussavi may be an accidental leader but he is showing that he is following the people going to the streets and not the "dear supreme leader" and has styed firm so far. It is a big mistake to dismiss the opposition beacuse they have not achieved their goal yet. This is a marathon not a sprint, and may take many months. Please be positive and I suggest to go to YouTube and Facebook and get information from the sources in Iran.
Posted by: Masonic | July 08, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Just like people of all different countries fought for freedom from oppression through out world history and won. Iran will be free one day. All people should be free of oppression. God Bless.
from an American brother.
Posted by: Neo | July 08, 2009 at 01:07 PM