The Czech revolution took place without the internet... .
Iran chokes off Internet on eve of student rallies
Government also warns foreign journalists to stay in their offices for the next three days
Ali Akbar Dareini
Tehran— The Associated Press
Former Prime Minister and presidential election candidate Mirhossein Mousavi looks on as he speaks to his supporters at an election campaign at a cultural centre in southern Tehran in this May 30, 2009 file photo.
On the eve of student demonstrations planned for Monday, Iran choked off Internet access and warned journalists working for foreign media to stick to their offices for the next three days.
The measures were aimed at depriving the opposition of its key means of mobilising the masses as Iran's clerical rulers keep a tight lid on dissent. Government opponents are seeking, nonetheless, to get large numbers of demonstrators to turn out Monday and show their movement still has momentum.
Opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi threw his support behind the student demonstrations and declared that his movement was is still alive. A statement posted on his Web site said the clerical establishment cannot silence students and was losing legitimacy in the Iranian people's minds.
"A great nation would not stay silent when some confiscate its vote," said Mr. Mousavi, who claims President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stole the June 12 election victory from him by fraud.
3 comments:
James, you seem rather focused on Iran - I guess your bias is showing again...
Perhaps. I had many friends from Iran before (and after) the Revolution so it is a country I care about. You will notice I blog on Zimbabwe too. But I agree, my concerns about Iran and Israel also focuses my thinking.
The internet seems to have played an important role in Iran lately, I wonder how you feel about the Harper government trying to introduce laws that will infringe on privacy - the Liberals seem to agree with these infringements...
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