Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 3:52AM | in Governance Iran mobilising
The Iranian government is mobilising its violent thugs to counter anticipated protests in the coming weeks, leading up to the June 12 anniversary of last year's contested election:
On Monday, the Fars news agency quoted senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards as saying they were bringing large numbers of Basij paramilitary forces from around the country into Tehran, officially to participate in the 21st anniversary of the death of the founder of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on Friday. But the Basijis are expected to remain in Tehran until after June 12, the commanders said.
“We are going to witness one of the most awe-inspiring Friday prayers,” a senior commander, Hossein Hamedani, was quoted as saying by Fars. The commander said five million members of the Basij had registered to participate in the ceremony.
Meanwhile:
The two principal opposition leaders, Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who have defied numerous government warnings, urged followers on Monday to march on June 12 and have sought a permit for a demonstration, according to a Web site linked to Mr. Moussavi, www.kaleme.com. It is considered highly unlikely the request will be granted.
This is not going to end well.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 3:52AM | in Governance 
Reader Comments (1)
It is also worrying, that the trial of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders falls on the same day. If a decision be taken regarding their fate on that day, it will be much less noticed in the international media amongst the reports of turmoil on Tehran's streets. They are choosing their dates wisely.