Thursday Protests Called in Iran, State Threatens Crackdown

The opposition in Iran has called for further public nationwide demonstrations on Monday, urging protesters to use the techniques of nonviolent noncooperation. Those who are afraid to risk beatings in the streets at the hands of state security organizations are urged to drive around and honk their horns. Thursday commemorates the anniversary of 1999 student demonstrations that were violently repressed by the regime.

The Iranian authorities pledged to crack down hard on any demonstrations, since no permits for them had been sought or bestowed.

Only two of Iran's leading religious authorities outside the government have congratulated President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his alleged victory in the June 12 polls. The state chose having naked power over having credible authority, which may come to haunt it in the future.


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