Qods day protests in Iran

New protests in Iran

Opposition activists are planning fresh protests today to coincide with the government-back Quds day ceremony. Can the opposition regain momentum since the violent suppression of the unrest over the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Follow live updates

8.40am:
State TV is broadcasting footage of Quds day rallies from previous years to hide the protests, according to blogger homylafayette. This is difficult to verify.

8.22am:
A picture claiming to show opposition supporters today in Karim Khan Street under a large green banner, has been posted by blogger onlymehdi.

8.10am:
State-funded Press TV is showing live pictures of people gathering in Tehran for the official Quds day rally. Some are dressed in green, but its broadcaster claims those gathering are united in favour of Palestine.

Press TV also confirms that Ahmadinejad will be speaking at Friday prayers.

8.05am:
Security forces have clashed with opposition protesters in Tehran, according to a flash on Reuters.

7.43am:
The are chants of "death to the dictator" in central Tehran, according to usually reliable reports on Twitter and ePersian radio, which is run by Iranian exiles in California. In between breaks for music it is broadcasting what sounds like mobile phone audio from protesters.

There are also reports that Karroubi has joined the protests

Thousands of protesters have shouted slogans in support of a key opponent of the Iranian president, during a mass rally in Tehran, reports say.

Witnesses reported chanting in support of Mir Hossein Mousavi who was defeated by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June's disputed presidential election.

Police were deployed in the city for the annual Quds Day rally, and warned against anti-government protests.

Mass demonstrations after the election led to deaths and hundreds of arrests.
Iranian authorities had warned the opposition not to stage anti-government protests during Quds Day.

Mr Mousavi was expected to attend, and Mr Ahmadinejad was due to give a speech later.

Foreign media, including the BBC, have been restricted in their coverage of Iran in the wake of the election protests.

Pro-Mousavi supporters were wearing green - the colour of his party - and shouting slogans.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran security forces clashed with supporters of opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi and arrested at least 10 of them during annual anti-Israel rallies in central Tehran on Friday, a witness said.

"Security forces just arrested over 10 people," the witness said. "They are pushing protesters and beating them."

Iranian authorities, including Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had warned the opposition against turning anti-Israel rallies to street protests against the clerical establishment.

Defeated presidential candidates Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi said they would attend the rally.

Thousands of supporters of Mousavi, wearing green wristbands or shawls, were among the crowds marching in the "Qods (Jerusalem) Day" rallies held nationwide every year on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Supporters of hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad clashed with reformists during anti-Israel rallies on Friday, a witness said.

"Supporters of Ahmadinejad are beating supporters of (opposition leader Mirhossein) Mousavi near the Vali-ye Asr street (in central Tehran). At least two protesters were injured," the witness said.

Iran's June presidential election, which was followed by huge opposition protests, plunged Iran into political turmoil and exposed deepening divisions within its ruling elites.

The opposition leaders say the poll was rigged to secure Ahmadinejad's re-election. The authorities deny it.