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| June 22, 2009 | (Use j/k keys to navigate)  Email to a friend  Permalink |
A troubled week in Iran
In the ten days since Iran's disputed presidential election, street demonstrations have taken place every day. Iranian citizens, supporters of opposition candidates, continue to take to the streets and document what they encounter there, despite explicit government bans, the danger of arrest (many hundreds placed in custody), or possible physical harm (at least 19 deaths so far). Iranian officials maintain their stance that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the undisputed winner, and have increased restrictions and pressure on opposition members, protesters, foreign media and communication networks as they work to regain control. President Barack Obama recently stated that the government of Iran should "recognize that the world is watching." Many of the photographs here were taken and transmitted at great risk in the past week, in the hopes that others would be able to see and bear witness. [ previously on Big Picture: 1, 2, 3 ] (38 photos total)
Supporters of Iran's presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi face off against riot police during a demonstration on June 20, 2009 in Tehran, Iran. Thousands of Iranians clashed with police as they defied an ultimatum from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for an end to protests over last week's disputed presidential election results. (Getty Images)
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivers his sermon in front of a picture of the late spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini, during the Friday prayers, at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 19, 2009. Iran's supreme leader said Friday that the country's disputed presidential vote had not been rigged, sternly warning protesters of a crackdown if they continue massive demonstrations demanding a new election. (AP Photo/Hayat News Agency, Meisam Hosseini) #
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, kneeling at center left, leads Friday prayers, at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 19, 2009. Iran's declared presidential winner, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, kneels in prayer as well, directly behind Khameni. (AP Photo/Hayat News Agency, Meisam Hosseini) #
A member of a pro-government Basij militia throws a rock from the group's building in the direction of demonstrators as they approach the militia's base, near a rally supporting leading opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi in Tehran, Iran on Monday June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) #
In this series of four photographs, supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi confront riot police and Basij militia members in Tehran, Iran on June 20, 2009. In the top photograph, the man at far right brandishes a handgun that he apparently just fired into the air. In the second photo, protesters approach in spite of the brandished gun - the man in the gray shirt apparently comes too close, and in photo three, he is attacked by a member of the militia. Photo four shows an apparent retreat of militia members as stone-throwing protesters advance on them. (All photos by Getty Images) #
A screen grab taken on June 21, 2009 from a video posted on YouTube reportedly shows Iranian men trying to help a wounded woman named "Neda" after she was shot in the chest during a protest in Tehran on June 20, 2009. She died only moments later. Neda Soltani has become an iconic figure among supporters of the opposition, her memorial on June 22nd was apparently disrupted by Iranian riot police (AFP/Getty Images) #
More links and information
Latest Updates on Iran’s Disputed Election - NYTimes.com The Lede blog
Iran liveblogged by Huffington Post
2009 Iranian election protests - Wikipedia entry
Imagery Update for Tehran - Google Maps update
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
We Iranian asking tha whole word to help us to remve this crminal diktators from our beautiful country Iran.
This remind me of my country, Indonesia...
the May 1998 incident, my country was torn apart by riots and demonstration.
Dear Neda (By: Shirin Ghobadi)
Neda you have not died in vain
Your voice still resonates loud and clear
Your death has woke the world-
Your blood has paved our course
In your honor and those of your fallen friends
We stand and demand your vote –
We will not succumb to tyranny and force
And fight until we prevail.
No Neda your death is just a start.
The marches will go on and on
until wrongs are undone
until freedom in ours
O – Neda – The lioness of my heart – my soul
You are the symbol of our pride
You have made our nation proud
You are my mother, sister, and child
You gave voice to our cause
No, you have not fallen in vain
You have given us courage to rise
And when that day of freedom come
We will cry out your name from the rooftops of Tehran
for all the world to hear
That Neda was our guide, our saving grace.
O dear Neda from your call, thousand of lionesses have risen to fight
and they are all proud to say.
that their name is too. "Neda"
It's difficut to see these and so many others and not wonder why we can not all be free to voice our opinions and rights. At the end of the day, everyone in the world wants to have roof over there children's head and leave in peace. Thank you for posting for all of us to get educated about the life of Iranian. They are no different than any other parent, child, family or nation.
If you are NON-IRANIAN please take a look at this facebook group I have made to bring us "westerners" up to date on all of the things happening in Iran today:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=91791050661
The Iranian government is the biggest supporter of terrorrism around the world. It is ironic that the supreme leadership is calling his own people terrorists. Iran needs to take a good look at itself and realise that the Iranian people want peace and freedom.
I am embarrased that our President would not stand up for what is right.
We the American People stand with the Iranians wanting the freedoms that we so often take for granted
Remarkable pics.
Long live Iran and Iranian
Free Iran forever
please see them , and let the others know about it . support Iranians in their way of freedom...
description of pic # 32 says its a lady's hand, but it doesnt look like so, it looks like a man's hand, check the hard around the wrist, anyhow a great collection of pics
It sure makes it hard for citizens to stand up against their government when they can only be armed with rocks.
I have never known a site like this one existed. The pictures tear at everyone's Heart. I am so sorry for those who have given their lives in order to get justice. Justice and Freedom. This is what every human being want's. For you who have laid down your lives and those who are willing to give their lives, May God Be With You. We all have a purpose in this life, we all should stand up together and make this a better world to live in. This is not just about another War, it's about freedom of Speech,Opinion,Justice. That is what these people are looking for. They are willing to lay Down Their Lives to make a better future for their children. God Bless
whereever there is tyranney, you will also see great courage . we are seeing that courage today in IRAN . i hope they they continue to fight for their freedoms because they are so close . DONT GIVE UP NOW
The captions kept saying "supporters of Mousavi". They are NOT nesecarily supporters of Mousavi. They are Anti-AhmadiNejad. Many of the demonstrators are supporters of Karoobi or supporters of no one, just the ones who **HATE** Ahmadinejad.
Wow!! Excellent pics!
Iran free, time to move towards the *l*i*g*h*t*, bye bye old-style darkness..., peace n love for this delicate n soft planet
One writer pointed out the designer cloths the protesters were wearing and concluded some remarks based on that observation --- I want to point out to our friend that this is exactly testimony of what the protesters are fighting for: they are fighting for their civil rights -- Unlike many other countries in the region Iranians have passed that stage of fighting for simple necessities such as food, healthcare, education or even other aspects of life in modern societies. Iran is full of highly educated and articulate individuals who are fighting for the euphoria of compete democracy -- Iranian style!
How sure are we that this is what the majority of Iranians really want. Even a small fight in a back yard could be seen as a big demonstration if media twist involve.
Human desire will never be enough. Nobody could satisfy everybody. So lets majority decide. In any community, majorities will decide what best, and minorities will have to follow.
Is this start of another revolution? Iranians are good at it.
Amazing Pictures
Keep on going Iraniens! Hope you will made it!
these are great pictures and it shows how we do the best use of media in this generation....but why dont or did we do the same in Irag and Palestine...I guess we can't .!!! cant show some thing which is real....I guess
My heart goes out for all of those who lost their loved ones in Iran
Ahmadinejad is NOT our VOTE !!! Ahmadinejad is NOT our PRESIDENT !!!
Join Us.... and please invite all your friends
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97725125799
Great photo's. The Iranian people are writing their own history.
Everyone should just shut up and quit trying to make it a US issue. It has nothing to do with what or what the US is not doing. Obama is doing right by watching what is going on and letting Iran know the world is watching, but allowing the Iranian people to decide what will will be the next chapter in history. It is about what the Iran people are doing to promote their own democracy and I support them!! They are brave and remain defiant in their actions against their oppressors! Sea of Green!!! Allah Akbar.
Picture #32 is very powerful....................
I agree with @iranian american
All our support must help the people to stop this regime and i nstall a real democracy. I do not mean the same "democracy" that we try to impose in Iraq, but a real democracy that all the people need.
I'm from Italy, a place where democracy is not the best, but we have it.
In Germany anti government protestors are called "terrorists". During G8 and Anti-NATO protest in Europe riot cops take the same actions against protestors like in the streets of Teheran. Remeber Carlo Giuliani
If you are on Twitter- wherever you are in the world, change your Twitter location to Tehran.
Democracy is more alive in Iran than in the USA - When the US election was rigged and stolen by the evil Bush regime in 04 nobody took to the streets to complain - they actually got behind those who stole the election? At least the Iranians are questioning their oppressors and demanding justice
You tell me which is the freer country - Americans will talk about freedom all day but they dont really know what it is
Great pictures!
This just makes me sick to my stomach.
We've been led by the media and the former administration to believe that Iran is this insane, axis of evil that spoke with a single voice.
The opposite seems true.
They want the same things we do.
free IraN,La gente le a visto las orejas al LOBO. y ya no quieren ser engañados tan impunemente arriba la sublevacion. FREE FOR DE PEOPLE
im in iran!!!
we need your help!!!
they are kiling ppl!!!!!
shocking
Free Iran, free Iran, please help the people in Iran.
Great, but shocking pictures
The powers that be are in panic mode - seems they misread their people's aspirations for greater freedoms and democratic elections that are on the level ...
Our prays & support are with you Iran, Stay strong and fight for you right!!!
ABAJO LOS DICTADORES, LOS ASESINOS, LOS VIOLADORES, LOS VENDE PATRIA.
VIVA LA LIBERTAD DEL PUEBLO IRANI.
ABAJO CHAVEZ Y SU COMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
guys these protest nothing to with CIA or USA or any thing in the world.
r u guys retarded or just blind??!!
u cant compare this election to the USA election or any where in the world, u guys are just sitting out side and just saying bull sh*ts( sorry my language but, true)
u dont have any idea whats goinf on over there,people get killed cause they want their freedom,( Neda Agha soltan) people beat cause they want to talk, mothers beat in front of their children, wives beat in front of their husband and children get killed in front of their parents cause they want to decide who they want as a president... .
its nothing to do with religions, it's nothing to do with God,
It's just about freedom. and i know u guys dont have that courage to get your freedom by protesting in front of people that they have gun, and everything,,, and THEY WILL shot YOU... . and Neda and other people such as her,they all want freedom, so simple,
#43 Well spoken, you bring a tear to this Americans eye, I support you Iran with the well spoken words of random people who support your struggle to define your country.
hey Iran, we are with you !!!
Freedom - we have this right
comment 88, you're right my friend. I've seen a lot of good comments to support Iranians in their fight on thos blog but hardly none to acknowledge what US citizens were doing in their own backyard in 2000 and 2004...
to comments 49 and 53: there indeed might be some good reasons to stay anonymous if you live and shoot pictures in some countries like Iran. But Getty is famous for publishing pictures under its own brand without giving credits to the authors. Enough anyway to prevent me from submitting my own work to them...
otherwise great job as usual on this blog. I quite like the woman carrying her own purse and a few stones. Not the typical protester. I would rather imagine her telling her kids to be careful, and there she is. Very brave.
Picture 16 tells it all, a bunch of old men, sitting in perfect comfort, deciding the fate of a nation.
In contrast to what happened in Greece in December, here Mousavi supporters have a noble cause. I hope for a free Iran, one that is not afraid that the rest of the world will "infect" its sterile environment.
Tears. We are with you.
why does it say mousavi supporters at the buttom of each picture ? these are just people asking for freedom not all are mousavi supporters, example NEDA , she supported freedom not a person or party. call the protesters or iranians not just mousavi supporters
You people that think the US are behind all of this are fools. Every time something goes on in the world you take a negative slant and blame the US. As an American I think that it is insulting to the Iranian people to say this is the work of the US. Those are Iranian men and women in the streets, on their own, fighting and in some cases dying for a belief. Please don't cheapen their blood and sacrifice for your own political purposes. Good Luck to you people of Iran. Freedom is for those who fight for it and you are earning yours.
I agree with comment 88 and comment 100. I am embarrassed that when our elections were stolen from us here in the USA we did practically nothing.
Elocuentes fotografias de lo que el ser humano es capas de hacer con sus semejantes sin pensar ni medir consecuencias.
Thank you for the great pictures. God bless the children of Iran. The world is watching you. we are supporting you all the way.
No matter what happens, the Iranian People have already won a great victory.Their voice has thundered around the world telling of the corruption and oppression of their government. Ahmadinejad now has the word "ILLEGITIMATE" stamped across his forehead; and when Khamenei raises his one good arm to dictate to the People, Neda's blood will be seen on His hand. Bravo, People of Iran! You have inspired us all.
What will happen?
The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object- Thomas Jefferson, 1801
"When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;...
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not protest;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me."
Martin Niemöller, German Pastor
KEEP FIGHTING. i WITH THE PEOPLE OF IRAN THE BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE ALLAH WATCHES OVER THEM.
God bless all of them
It's worse a fake democracy then a true tyranny
#3 is great picture of years
“Truth”.
By G.Mc Ardle
No one that has eyes can watch
This horror unfolding & ignore it;
For we are Human, & if we do
It will be our lies,
& for-ever after our sighs
That will haunt us till the worlds
Last dawning, No one that has eyes
Can ignore Iran's freedom heartbreak cries
For Freedom!
For every human being has the same number
Of freedom fibres within them, we are born with
A naturalness to be individually, "Free Spirits"!
No one that has eyes can watch
This horror, & ignore it,
For it, is us, in them. & them in us
And that is the “Truth”!
I dedicate it to Neda Soltan 1982-2009 (A Heroine)
Type your comment here...
Yes judge of Allah on the day of resurrection. And prepared those fiery hyena, to whom will the direction of its will.
#28 gives me so much confidence about humanity. . Look how one girl is trying to protect the other girl when she herself is in danger.
Iran is a great country with a rich history and heritage and is probably more civilized than many western countries. People there deserve better than some mullahs and their puppets ruling them . I am confident Iran will soon come out of this phase.. May god bless Iran
This is a great revelution.Rescue by ourselves.
Its endearing to see the people of Iran fight for what they believe in. The government can only lie to its people for so long before they get slapped back.
Pic #3......unbelievably breathtaking.
Every dictatorial regime is led by the same principle of the pyramid of power. On top of the piramid of power is the dictator, followed by his closest assitants, the military, the police, the milita, and at last the ordinary people who support him. As long as there are bread and games things go on, but to legitimize the regime every once in a while they need to hold elections. Elections must be distorted to continue the regime. This used to be in Irak, Argentina, Oeganda etc. and is today in Iran, Syria, and several African countrys. The pyramid of power is dicribed in the book Discourse on Voluntary Servitude written by Étienne de La Boétie.
@78, Khalifah Allah: "How sure are we that this is what the majority of Iranians really want. Even a small fight in a back yard could be seen as a big demonstration if media twist involve."
I can tell from your name that you are an Arab. The only thing I can tell you is that you deserve your dictator arab government that you have. You don't seem to have a basic understanding of human rights and freedom. I guess the only important thing for you is when you should prey. The depth of these photos are so vast that any human being can grasp its meaning.
People of Iran are so much educated and courageous to give their lives to achieve fundamental rights that any human should have.
p.s. I am a proud Iranian, and I support free Iran without Islam.
great pople,great job,,many thxxxxxx
@ 32
"A supporter of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi shows her hand..."
Is this hand HER or HIS?!
Good luck to Iran peoples.
Whats d present position in Iran ?
When are you people going to learn that posting photographs with protesters faces fully exposed is going to end up hurting them? The Iranian government is already posting their own photos of protesters. Seriously, not smart.
Wow....I'm Proud to be a Persian, and i always be!
Mardome Iran shayesteye azadi va emkanat hastan.
faghat ba omid roozaro migzaroonim.
Be Omide Irani azad va didane shadmaniye mardom.
PIXELATE THE FACES OF THE PROTESTERS!!! ALl these pictures will be usedd as evidence against them.
@13 - Why are there no women in this photo? Mousavi supporters have them all on their side?
Wish people good luck.
God Bless Iran God Bless Iranian People Long live Freedom
How many countries in the world will allow protesting crowds to burn public property and harm innocent civilians ?
Has anyone seen an deviance that the elections were fraud? I mean did this so called Musawi come out with a standing proof? or i it just based on expected Western back up for any disturbance in Iran which helps their agenda?
What about the silent majority? under democratic doctrines shouldn't they be celebrating their proven victory away from the disturbances of the losing party?
I am very proud of my homeland people, we did not want to go through a bloody revolution, but these dictators made us to.
They should understand that people understand more than what they want them to think. Iranian people will NEVER buy the stupid words of these monsters, they are smart and wise, they have just been talorating these devils for 30 years BUT this does not mean that they don't understand. They are human and hate to see their brothers and sisters blood on the streets.
Shame on this goverment and wish justice and peace would be earned soon.
Just a question regarding photo #14...why is the one guy in a pit? Is he the Iman? What is the significance of that particular location?
Okay...I checked the caption again. I get it that it's Ali Khamenei, but I'm still wondering about "the pit". Is it something about a "deeper" protrastation, showing more humility before God, or what?
Gosh, I had no idea the BBC, and particularly The Archers, could cause such chaos. No wonder the mullahs blame the Brits.
After all it boils down to probabilities.
How likely is it that all this could have been pulled by any combination of foreign powers?
How likely is it that all this could have been from Iran's internal power dynamics?
It is very unlikely for any foreign power to have this much influence on any large country, not especially a proud nation like Iran.
Maybe somebody think that why we need to free Iran. As an example I would like to inform you even this internet page has been filtered. We should watch "big Pictures" of Boston hardly by aunty filter software. It done just for publishing some photos about Iran, about beating us, about crushing our vote, our right. We all are inside of these and watching by our eyes and hope to free IRAN.
this demonstrations proved the uniqe Iranian democracy in the region, the region in which the West's allies could not run even a munciplity free election.
long live Islamic republis of Iran.
power to the people who seeking freedom and justice over all other. During this difficult time, know that you are not alone. I am with you and you are in my prayers. May God 's kindneee and love bless you all. Good luck stand united and strong Always . Victory is closer then you think. Love you all.
Wow, photo #32 made me stop and think... Not that the others didn't, of course, but that's one powerful image.
When a gunshot rang out and Neda collapsed, amid blood bubbling up through her mouth, her last words were: "I am burning". This is what all Iranians are feeling right now!
People of Iran with preparation to pay heavily for their audacity will rise soon as phoenix from the ashes again.
I am deeply disappointed to death, I am watching my country on fire and my people get killed by the damned regime, in addition Iranian like me have no other country to go, how should we survive?
please dont give up.I beg of you.at list we die but not our kids.if they stay they kill all of us plus next next.............generations.
Iran is governed by fascists in mullah vests. Western nations are giving up on the corageous demonstrators who really risk it all. Teocracies have to be banished if the world is to move forward.
Excelente!!! un realidad muy cruda
With a stolen election, you may be able to fool some of the people for sometime, but not all the people for ever. This election will not stand.
"chon aan namand o chon in neez ham nakhahad maand" Hafez
I hoop that the Iran will change very soon....Iranian people have a right to Freedom as normal people.
Down with any religion who can do this to the gods children.
Shame on you Ahmadi Nejad Khamanei and other Muslim leader who are killing people and hurting children of god.
Who are you to let yourself to do this just to be able to steal more money from the poor people. Ahmadi Nejad = Khamanei leave innocent people alone, all they want is freedom, your stealing and killing attitude made people hate Islam.
Down to Dictator
freedom is earn with tears and bloodshed. We are no where near to be the best nation on earth however I do feel privileged to be living in the USA. Please keep Neda and everybody else in your pray. It's a sad thing to see. God help us all...
Russia and Hezbollah are behind all these killings, they have imported Lebanese Hezbollah as well as Russian mafia to Iran to stop demonstrations and beat up Iranian freedom seeker.
What are these two nations getting out of helping Iranian government and bashing Iranian?
1- Hezbollah is getting financial support from Iranian fanatics and they are prtecting thier interest by bashing or killing Iranian freedom seeker and student.
..... ready next line for part 2
read from top .......
2 - Russia is buying and selling from and to Iran, basically China and Russia are the most beneficiaries of Iranian hard liners.
If Iran changes to more democratic country, Iran will turn to EU and USA and will dispose Russia so they will the the biggest losers, they have to protect their interest by making sure Iranian don't win the fanatics. So their help Iran with their Mafia and Strategies and teachings.
Why Ahmadinejad went to Russia straight after the election, what happened there? Wasn't he saying Down with Russia and USA, how come Russia, a communist country is their best friend???????
I fully support the greens but remember that most of the people who want us to intervene there to stop the killing were the ones who wanted to blow most of the country up.
Iran reformist candidate was 2.
And many also voted Karroubi.
And the world is still quiet !
1984? Peace and love to everyone!!