Iranian Green protests to continue on June 15 and 16

Following Sunday’s peaceful anti-government marches on the second anniversary of the fraudulent 2009 presidential election, the Coordination Council of the Green Path of Hope has issued a statement calling for fresh demonstrations on 15 and 16 June.

On Sunday, protesters marched in silence on the pavements of Tehran’s important Vali-Asr Avenue as well as in other cities across the country. Despite a heavy deployment of security forces ahead of the scheduled march, numerous reports from the capital suggested a good turnout, especially in the capital.

Sporadic clashes between anti-riot police and protesters were also reported and many are believed to have been arrested.

In its most recent statement, the council, the Green Movement’s most important decision making body, called for more peaceful protests on 15 June, “the birthday of the Green Movement,” from 6pm to 8pm in the main squares. In addition, the statement invited Iranians to pay homage to the martyrs of the Green Movement at their burial sight on 16 June.

“We are certain that until we set foot on a path which honours human dignity, freedom and justice, the merciful lord’s grace will supplement our path, and victory, is ours.”

It should be noted that more than 115 days ago, the leaders of the opposition movement Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi were placed under house arrest after calling on Iranians to demonstrate in solidarity with protesters in the Arab world. The leaders and their spouses have been held under house arrest without any official charge or trial, resulting in the outpouring of worldwide condemnation of their continued captivity.