sherlock72

I have dedicated my channel to the brave people in Iran who risk their lives in their struggle for democracy, human rights and freedom.

Iran is a theocracy and the highest power belongs to an Islamic clergy with Ali Khamenei as the Supreme Leader at the top. Within the religious framework there is some democracy. Prior to the President election June 12 2009 in Iran there was a great uncertainty. The day after the election presented a major victory for the conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over the reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi Khameneh. However there were evidence of election fraud. Then followed the most intense protests since the Islamic Republic was formed 30 years ago. The protests were given several titles by their advocates including Green Revolution, Green Movement or Sea of Green reflecting Mousavis campaign colour and also Persian Awakening. 
 
Police and a paramilitary group called the Basij have determinedly suppressed both peaceful demonstrating and rioting using batons, pepper spray, sticks and firearms. The Iranian government has confirmed the deaths of 36 people during the protests while supporters of Mousavi alleges that there have been 72 deaths in the three months following the election. 

The 27 December on the holy day of Aashura which is a major religious festival for Shia Muslims and a day symbolically about justice and during which any kind of violence is forbidden demonstrations erupted in several cities. At least eight people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and riot police and Basiji. Hundreds of people where then arrested and more than 300 are still jailed in the capital Tehran. Five people can face death penalty for waging war against the God, as the accusation is called!

"It is with great concern that I take part of the reporting from Tehran, where clashes in the city center now apparently led to a number of people killed by security forces. We have repeatedly condemned the growing repression in Iran, and today there is every reason to very clearly reiterate the condemnation. The right of individuals to decide freely and peacefully express their views must be respected. That the increased repression reveal a fundamental instability in the regime is obvious. A regime that is safe in their own legitimacy, has no reason to fear the right of individuals to decide freely and peacefully express their views." - Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden. 

Iranian authorities have blocked web sites, cell phone transmissions,