IRAN: Videos show security forces on the rampage

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Amateur video of the protests in Iran continues to bypass government controls on information, showing security forces rampaging through Tehran, wrecking cars and motorcycles in their path. The footage of large groups of security forces has a conspicuous absence of protesters.

Security forces appear to be acting rather haphazardly — some property being damaged, other property left alone. Footage of arrests follow the same pattern, with some protesters being arrested and others escaping. Those arrested often have nothing to do with the protests.

The clip below shows police special forces in riot gear vandalizing cars, smashing window sand bashing side panels with riot batons. One plainclothes officer, presumably from the Basij Militia, throws stones and debris from the rampage. Interestingly, one car goes untouched.

Another video shows more special police beating and tipping motorcycles. Helmeted general police in green are also seen smashing tipped motorcycles with their batons.

Videos continue to surface showing security forces suppressing protests. The clip below shows security forces beating, then dragging away a resisting protester.

The clip below shows Basij militia members beating a man before dragging him away. Other protesters are luckier. Police are seen looking off screen before running away, being replaced by a crowd of protesters.<

-- Jahd Khalil in Beirut>