Hundreds protest Iran elections in Tehran park

Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 16 – Some 300 Iranians demonstrated outside Mellat Park in Tehran this morning chanting anti-government slogans and urging people to boycott tomorrow’s presidential elections. “Guns, Tanks, and Bassijis are no longer affective”, the group shouted as security forces attempted to prevent passers-by from joining ranks. Iran Focus

Tehran, Jun. 16 – Some 300 Iranians demonstrated outside Mellat Park in Tehran this morning chanting anti-government slogans and urging people to boycott tomorrow’s presidential elections.

“Guns, Tanks, and Bassijis are no longer affective”, the group shouted as security forces attempted to prevent passers-by from joining ranks.

The Bassijis are Iran’s Islamic vigilantes. A paramilitary branch of the Revolutionary Guards, the Bassij (literally meaning mobilisation) was set up by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in the early days of the Islamic Republic to serve as the shock troops for the new regime, using brute force to keep the streets clear of protesters and dissidents.

Demonstrators chanted “Boycott the elections” as security forces moved in and arrested a number of protestors.

Iranian security services are on high alert to prevent any demonstration or protest, particularly by those calling for a boycott.