Iran Focus – Editorial: On Saturday, thousands of Iranians once again braved death to take to the streets, this time to mark the anniversary of the 2009 protests. Chants of “death to the dictator” could not be muffled by the heavy security presence. The protests were significant in outlining the future direction of the uprising.
Defying the crackdown
U.S. Congress concern for MEK in Iraq
Iran Focus: Washington, Jun. 13 – Concern for the safety of members of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran is mounting in the U.S. Congress as the American military prepares to evacuate a base near Camp Ashraf, where the group’s members reside in Iraq, and turn it over to Iraqi security forces.
Midnight celebration in Tehran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 13 – At about 1:00 am on Sunday, large groups of people gathered at Tehran’s Azadi Square to sing and dance after successfully taking part in anti-government protests earlier on Saturday.
Iran hardliners surround opposition leader in holy city
AFP: Iran’s opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi was surrounded while in the house of a senior cleric in the holy city of Qom on Sunday by regime supporters who also attacked his car, an opposition website said.
Iran drafting bill to reduce UN atomic agency ties: MP
AFP: Iran’s parliament is drafting a bill on downgrading ties with the UN atomic watchdog, a lawmaker said Sunday after the Islamic republic was slapped with fresh sanctions over its nuclear drive.
Opposition group members among 91 detained: Tehran governor
AFP: Iranian police arrested 91 people on Saturday as the nation marked the anniversary of last year’s disputed presidential election, police chief Hossein Sajadinia said.
US urges Iran to free political prisoners, US hikers
AFP: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Iran to meet its international obligations and release all political prisoners, as well as three American hikers held for almost a year.
Iran finalizes deal to build gas pipe to Pakistan
AP: Iran’s state TV says the country has finalized a deal to build a pipeline to Pakistan capable of exporting 21.5 million cubic meters per day.
91 arrested in anniversary protests: police commander
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 13 – Ninety one people were arrested in Tehran in protests Saturday marking the anniversary of last year’s uprising, according to Tehran Police Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Sajedi-Nia.
Chants of God is greatest heard from rooftops
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jun. 12 – Chants of “Allah-o Akbar” (God is the greatest) and “death to the dictator” echoed from rooftops throughout the capital at 23:30 local time on Saturday.
