“Blood and fire” – letters from an Iranian protestor

Hi Jess

 After yesterday’s speech by the Supreme Leader we expected a very bad day for the protest.  It was held from Enghelab Square to Azadi [Freedom] Square.  This is the longest street of Tehran, which is about 30km long.  When people gathered in this street everybody could see how huge the protest was, and what it is that the Government is so afraid of.   The Government doesn’t want anyone to know how many oppose them.  In their propaganda they will say that just a few vandals were on the street.  

 So this is why thousands of armed revolutionary guards prevented people from entering Azadi Avenue.  But people gathered in the many side streets that lead to Azadi Street, and from there they started pushing the armed forces back.  

 For many hours, people and the guards were on the run.  Once the guards ran after the people and then the people ran after the guards.  The people only had stones and the guards started with tear gas.  Much tear gas was fired towards the people.  It was very hard to stand against it.   Tear gas fell in front of me and in three seconds I was going to lose my breath.  It was difficult to breathe and my face and eyes were hot and burning.  

 When the guards ran towards people, the people threw stones and ran to the houses for protection.  The guard ran after them and broke all the glass on the doors.

 This went on for nearly three hours and finally the guards started firing on people.  Three people died in the street where I was.  They were taken away.  I have sent you a photo of a man who put his hand in the blood of one of the dead.  It was very sad and many people started crying and shouting: “I will kill the Basij who killed my brother.”

 People said that we will fire the whole city tonight.  I don’t know what will happen.  

 I’d better go home now – I’m still in my office.  Maybe the roads are closed and not so secure for travelling.

 I will write more about the situation later.  I know I have made many mistakes but I couldn’t find the words to express everything that I feel.  I hope you will understand.  

 If you think you have seen bad things then have a look at this link.  A girl dies in front of the camera while her father [this turns out to be her music teacher] shouts to her: “Neda don’t go, don’t go….”

 Uuuhhh, so sad 🙁

 Sorry if I made you sad.  I hope these days finish soon and I write you happier letters.

Take care

 “Sad”

 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbdEf0QRsLM]

**Please be warned this video is extremely disturbing.