In Iran, demonstrators condemn Ashura defiling
Ardalan Keykavoussi
Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:44:45 GMT
Days after deadly anti-government protests on Ashura, millions of
demonstrators gathered across Iran on Wednesday to condemn what they
described as defiling the religious ceremony of Ashura.
In the Iranian capital and many other cities millions of people took to the
streets in a show of strength and solidarity against anti-government
protesters.
The rallies came after protesters took to some central and downtown streets
in Tehran on Sunday, hijacking the Ashura ceremonies, during which people
commemorate the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson,
Imam Hussein (PBUH).
The protesters reportedly chanted slogans against top Iranian government
officials and vandalized public property. Iranian police forces used tear
gas to disperse protesters.
Seven people were confirmed dead during the unrest. Confirming the deaths,
Iran's Deputy Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said the force did not use
violence against protesters, denying any involvement in the killings.
In line with Wednesday's demonstrations, Iran's Islamic Propagation
Coordination Council issued a statement, condemning the anti-government
protests on Ashura.
"A limited number of anti-[Islamic] Revolution trouble-seekers, who are
against the Iranian nation's security, progress, honor and glory, sought to
target the most sacred values of Islam in some streets of Tehran under the
leadership of foreign media and with the support of certain domineering
powers," read the statement.
The statement criticized the country's Judiciary, Intelligence Ministry and
security officials for showing tolerance toward anti-government protesters,
calling on Iran's Judiciary to identify those behind the unrest.
�We warn certain political movements and individuals, who after their defeat
in the [presidential] election and being faced with a big 'no' from the
nation, instead of adhering to the law and the majority vote, staged a vote
fraud charade and laid the ground for sacrilege, desecration and
counter-revolutionary acts,� it added.
The statement also expressed "appreciation for the efforts made by the
national broadcaster (the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) in bravely
uncovering the sedition movement and the role played by Western media and
intelligence services in instigating the unrest."
"We call on all responsible government organizations to identify those
behind the defiling [of religious values] and seek severe penalties against
them," read the statement.
CS/HGH
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=114977§ionid=351020101
Muslims Always Victorious
Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:44:45 GMT
Days after deadly anti-government protests on Ashura, millions of
demonstrators gathered across Iran on Wednesday to condemn what they
described as defiling the religious ceremony of Ashura.
In the Iranian capital and many other cities millions of people took to the
streets in a show of strength and solidarity against anti-government
protesters.
The rallies came after protesters took to some central and downtown streets
in Tehran on Sunday, hijacking the Ashura ceremonies, during which people
commemorate the 7th century death of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson,