Iranian police clashed with hundreds of demonstrators, using tear gas and fired live bullets in the air to disperse a rally in central Tehran Monday. According to the AP, eyewitnesses conveyed helicopters hovered overhead as some 200 protesters gathered at Haft-e-Tir Square.
At the subway station at Haft-e-Tir, the witnesses said police did not allow anyone to stand still.
Just before these clashes, there were reports about a heavy police and security presence in another square in central Tehran.
Iran said at least 17 protesters died in a week of unrest so far after June 12 election. Opposition sources claim that death toll is higher.
Earlier Monday, the powerful Revolutionary Guard published a harsh warning to the demonstrators. It warned protesters to "be prepared for a resolution and revolutionary confrontation with the Guards, Basij and other security forces and disciplinary forces" if they continue their near-daily rallies.
The Guard statement ordered demonstrators to "end the sabotage and rioting activities" and said their resistance is a "conspiracy" against Iran.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
