Twitter revolution: How Iran is tweeting @ the world
- 00:02:27
- ITN
Twitter revolution: How Iran is tweeting @ the world
Tens of thousands of supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi have massed for a fifth day of protests. His defeat to hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has prompted widespread anger and demonstrations across the country. Dressed mainly in black and also wearing wristbands and headbands in Mr Mousavi's green campaign colours, they assembled in Tehran's Haft-e Tir square and the streets around it. Most were silent and making victory signs. On his website, Mr Mousavi has called for Thursday's planned protests or gatherings in mosques to be peaceful, as mourning is held for seven people killed on Monday. He said: "A number of our countrymen were wounded or martyred. I ask the people to express their solidarity with the families...by coming together in mosques or taking part in peaceful demonstrations." Meanwhile, video footage has emerged appearing to show the moment the protesters were shot dead. It is believed seven people died in the capital's Azadi Square during a rally. The amateur film, which was posted on YouTube, shows a gunman leaning out of a window of a compound as demonstrators gathered outside. On Tuesday, state television said the "main agents" in the unrest had been arrested with explosives and guns, but gave no further details. And in the province of Isfahan, one of many regions where protests have been held, prosecutor-general Mohammadreza Habibi said: "We warn the few ... controlled by foreigners who try to disrupt domestic security by inciting individuals to destroy and to commit arson that the Islamic penal code for such individuals waging war against God is execution." Elsewhere, the British Ambassador to Tehran has been summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. It is believed authorities have been angered by remarks made by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband. Mr Miliband said: "The most fervent hope is for peaceful protest to be met with peaceful response from the state authorities. The loss of life that's happened - the seven that have been reported, the credible reports of greater loss of life - are to be deplored very clearly." In Iran, foreign media have had massive restrictions put on them so footage and information is coming from social networking and video sharing websites as the country witnesses the biggest demonstrations since the 1979 Islamic revolution. A Culture Ministry official said of the media clampdown: "No journalist has permission to report or film or take pictures in the city." Iran's top legislative body, the 12-man Guardian Council, has refused to annul the poll but says it is "ready to recount the disputed ballot boxes claimed by some candidates, in the presence of their representatives".
ITN | June 17, 2009
