Press TV – December 27, 2009
The Iranian capital on Sunday witnessed sporadic anti-government protests on the anniversary of the Shia Muslim Ashura religious event, with security forces clashing with protesters.
Protestors took to some central and downtown streets in Tehran, hijacking the Shia Muslims Ashura event during which people commemorate the 7th century death of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson, Hussein (PBUH).
The protesters reportedly chanted slogans against top Iranian government officials.
Iranian police forces fired shots into the air and tear gas to disperse protestors.
Five people were reportedly killed in the anti-government protests in the capital.
Confirming the deaths, Iran's deputy police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said one of those dead fell from a bridge, two others were hit by cars while one other victim was shot dead by an unknown assailant.
Police have identified the person who was shot dead by unknown assailants as one Seyyed Ali Mousavi.
Police say the force was not involved in the killings, adding that the incidents are under investigation.
According to police, dozens of security forces including Tehran's police chief Commander Azizollah Rajabzadeh have been injured.
In a separate report, Commander Rajabzadeh dismissed certain media reports claiming that several anti-government protestors were killed by security forces.
"Police has not fired any shots in Tehran and security forces were not in possession of fire arms," Commander Rajabzadeh told ISNA.
According to witness accounts, several banks, bus stops and a number of trash-cans were set on fire during the protests.
MMN/HGH
Source: www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=114758&ionid=351020101
Last updated 29/12/2009
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