Clampdown Deters Iran Protests

13/06/2003| IslamWeb

The Iranian capital, Tehran, has seen a third night of student protests against the Islamic authorities - but only a few hundred demonstrators turned out. A heavy security presence made it difficult for large crowds to mass as they did on previous nights, and students were mainly confined to areas near university residences. Police blocked roads around the campus, and prevented hardline pro-government militias from clashing with students. The country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the United States of trying to foment disorder and division, and warned protesters not to expect any pity. The authorities have blamed US-based satellite TV channels for inciting the protests. The number of people protesting on Thursday night was far smaller than the several thousand who turned out on the previous two nights. Some students chanted "Freedom, freedom" and "Democracy, democracy". Others shouted "Khamenei the traitor must be hanged". But the protests have also been directed against reformist President Mohamed Khatami, as well as hardliners who are blocking the president's attempts at social reform. As on earlier evenings, a few dozen hardline militia members on motorcycles armed with chains tried to approach the students, but they were held back by police. There were a few stone-throwing incidents, but no clashes. About 80 people were arrested earlier in the week, but most have now been released. **Blame*** On Thursday, Ayatollah Khamenei again blamed the United States for provoking the protests. "Leaders do not have the right to have any pity whatsoever for the mercenaries of the enemy," he said. Many people have lost hope in Mr Khatami, reports the BBC's correspondent in Tehran, Miranda Eeles. After voting him in six years ago on a platform of reform, Iranians - especially the young - are fed up at the slow pace of change. The authorities are anxious for the situation not to get out of hand. They have stressed to students that they will not tolerate a repeat of the events of 1999, when clashes with law-enforcement officers lasted for three days and left at least one student dead. Those anti-government protests were the most serious since the fall of the Shah in 1979. About 70% of Iran's 65 million population is under 30, and has little or no memory of the former President Khomeini's Islamic revolution. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Local residents join students at the gates of the Tehran University dormitory complex June 13, 2003. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl