It may have dropped off our radar screen, but the Iranian opposition continues to brave the murderous violence of its government. Today, that violence was at its most symbolic worst.
The BBC:
Baton-wielding Iranian police have clashed with mourners holding memorials for those killed in post-election violence, reports say.
State TV said police used teargas to disperse crowds from the grave of Neda Agha Soltan, whose death became a symbol of post-election unrest.
And the Associated Press:
Iranian police fired tear gas and beat anti-government protesters with batons to disperse thousands at a graveside memorial Thursday for victims of post-election violence, witnesses and state television said.
Demonstrations that drew thousands more later spread to other parts of the capital Tehran and more clashes with security forces erupted. Witnesses said police fired tear gas at dozens of demonstrators on Valiasr Street who set tires and trash cans ablaze in response.
Police barred opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi from joining the crowd around the grave of Neda Agha Soltan, a young woman was shot to death at a June 20 to protest the disputed presidential election. The 27-year-old music student's dying moments on the pavement were filmed and circulated widely on the Web, and her name became a rallying cry for the opposition.
"Neda is alive, Ahmadinejad is dead," some of those at the ceremony chanted, referring to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who the opposition claims won the June 12 election by fraud. Witnesses said plainclothes forces charged at them with batons and tear gas, some of them chanting, "Death to those who are against the supreme leader." State television also reported that police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Got that? Attacking people at the graveside of Neda.
The Los Angeles Times provides these videos:
I want to reiterate that President Obama's measured approach to this crisis has been pitch perfect, given the sinister role played by the U.S. in creating the conditions for Iran's recent history; but the continuing courage of the Iranian people, in trying to create a better future for themselves, must not be forgotten.