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Anti-Government Protest In Tehran Leaves 20 Injured, 100 Arrested
TEHRAN, Feb 9 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - At least 20 young anti-government demonstrators were injured and 100 were arrested in clashes with riot police breaking up a Tehran rally.
About 3,000 Iranians had gathered in Melat Park and were chanting anti-government slogans before police intervened, AFP reports.
Armed police fired tear gas and beat protesters with clubs after some 3,000 demonstrators chanted, holding banners reading, "We are against the Islamic Regime."
The state news agency IRNA reported "some 300 young people" demonstrating to protest what they called "the lack of freedom of speech."
"Some opposition groups outside the country had previously called on their supporters to stage demonstrations against the Islamic Republic of Iran today," IRNA said in its brief report, which made no mention of arrests or injuries, according to the Washington Post.
Police destroyed all banners and arrested some 50 of the young protesters, students said, adding that police hit some demonstrators with clubs.
IRNA said the group was moving toward Vanak Square, to the south of the park, "when the law enforcement forces blocked their way and dispersed the protesters."
The outbursts in the park died down by early afternoon despite increased security that lingered on.
However, one demonstrator said "sporadic" demonstrations would continue throughout the day, and another one would be held Saturday.
Tehran's Melat Park area was the site of two strong explosions Thursday night, according to witnesses, although there has been no official comment or claim for the blasts.
The violence took place as Iran marks the 22nd anniversary of the Islamic revolution with 10 days of celebrations known as the "Ten Day Dawn" that ends Saturday, reports the Washington Post.
Iran's armed opposition, the People's Mujahedeen, said there had also been anti-government demonstrations in other towns and cities in Iran on the occasion of the revolution's anniversary.
Demonstrations also took place Friday morning in the western cities of Urumieh and Qazvin and the eastern city of Bojnurd, injuring several people, witnesses said by telephone.
Of the Tehran disturbance, witnesses said, "dozens of protesters were viciously beaten up by the suppressive forces," adding that revolutionary guards attacked "even the elderly, women and children with truncheons, knuckle-dusters, nail-studded whips and chains."
Riot police patrolled the area after the clashes ended, and police ordered people to leave the area, and detained several protesters that were encouraging more demonstrations, Associated Press reports.
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