2011–2012 Iranian protests
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
| 2011 Iranian protests | |
|---|---|
| File:Iranian 2011 protests.jpg | |
| Date | 14 February 2011 – ongoing |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 0 |
| Injuries | 0 |
The 2011 Iranian protests is a number of street demonstrations taking place in Iran that began on 14 February, 2011.
Protests
On 8 February 2011, various opposition groups of Iran sent a letter to the Ministry of Interior to request a protest under the control of the police, but the government officials denied it.[1] While specific opposition leaders, such as Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi have called for protests, there are reports of crackdowns on activists and members of opposition parties.[2][3]
On February 14, 2011, thousands of protesters began to gather in a "solidarity rally with Egypt and Tunisia". There was a large amount of police on the streets to keep an eye on the protesters, but thousands were still able to gather together in Tehran's Azadi Square. The day before the protests were due to begin, opposition leaders Mousavi and Karroubi were "placed under house arrest and lines of communications, including mobile phones, were cut off. Their homes were also blockaded and they were allowed no visitors.[4][5] The date of February 14th was chosen for the protest to "coincide with the 25th day of Bahman, the 11th month of the Persian calendar."[6] The protests were originally meant to be a show of support for Egypt and other Arab countries, but became an anti-government demonstration, during which the police "fired tear gas and shot paintballs at protesters".[7][8] The protesters "responded by setting garbage bins on fire to protect themselves from the stinging white clouds."[9]
It was reported that protests were also taking place in the cities of Isfahan and Shiraz, which the police there also forcibly dispersed.[9]
Domestic response
All forms of Iranian media were "banned from freely covering the massive wave of protest", though the protesters were still able to release information by utilizing social media like Facebook and Twitter.[7] In addition, foreign media was "banned from covering street protests in Iran."[9]
International response
The crackdown of the police on the protesters caused Amnesty International to denounce the "Iranian authorities". They released a statement saying, "Iranians have a right to gather to peacefully express their support for the people of Egypt and Tunisia."[10] During a visit to Iran on February 14th, the president of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, made a public press statement saying, "When leaders and heads of countries do not pay attention to the demands of their nations, the people themselves take action to achieve their demands."[9]
In an advance response, the US State Department set up a Farsi language Twitter feed, also the day before, in order to allow easier communication by Iran's internet users with the outside world.[4] The departments first tweet on the feed announced, "US State Dept recognizes historic role of social media among Iranians. We want to join in your conversations".[6]
See also
Template:2010–2011 Arab world protests
References
- ^ "Protests wash over Iran, Bahrain and Yemen, inspired by Arab world unrest". Haaretz. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ english.aljazeera.net. "Iran opposition planning protests". aljazeera. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Iran's 'Day of Rage'". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ a b "Report: Thousands protest in Iran". United Press International. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ BBC News. "Iran police fire tear gas at opposition rally in Tehran". BBC News. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ a b "U.S. State Department starts Farsi Twitter feed". CNN. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ a b "US sends Twitter messages to Iranians". AFP. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ Ladane Nasseri (14 February 2011). "Iran Cheers Revolts as Ahmadinejad Foes See Parallel". Bloomberg. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ a b c d Ali Akbar Dareini (14 February 2011). "Police disperse Iranian protesters with tear gas". Forbes. Retrieved 14 February 2011.
- ^ "Iran Protest Crackdown Condemned". Amnesty International. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2011.