Unrest In Iran: National Student Day Protests

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December 7, 2009: This summer’s controversial elections and mass protests in Iran gave this year’s Student Day a charged energy. Pro-government supporters, like those above at Tehran University, participated in the demonstrations. They were joined by hundreds of students who used the event to demonstrate against current President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in the largest rallies in months. Over 200 student protesters were arrested in a sign that the Iranian government has taken a stronger stance in response to the opposition.

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At Tehran University, protesters burn photos. The one on the left is of Maryam Rajavi, a key player in Iran’s resistance movement.

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Pro-government demonstrators wave flags and hold photos of Iran’s clerical leaders.

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A pro-reform protester demonstrates, wearing the opposition’s adopted green. The Associated Press reported that the demonstrations “saw an increased fervor and boldness among demonstrators, who more openly broke the biggest taboo in Iran — burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and chanting slogans against him.”

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At the Tehran University campus, pro-reformers march in the demonstration. According to Reuters, witnesses at the event said some protesters chanted “death to the dictator.”

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Iranian students and supporters of the opposition march with arms linked. One protester explained: “I take to streets to protest because I want change now, not tomorrow. I am fed up with the current situation.”

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Supporters of the government clash with opposition demonstrators.

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A woman treats the wounds of an injured student after the Iranian police fired tear gas to break up the demonstration. One protester summed up his injury: “This is the price for freedom.”

Newscom/UPI

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