According to reports from Tehran thousands of Iranians have demonstrated 9th of July July, the third anniversary of the student protests of 1999 against Iran's Islamic regime, despite a government ban imposed by both factions of the regime on any protest. The demonstrators were shouting the following slogans:"freedom for all political prisoners" , "Unity, Unity", "Khatami resign", "Referendum, Referendum". The military and security forces ,gathered in Azadi square, used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators however it appears that similar protests were taking place in other parts of the city and demonstration are continuing late into the night. There were sporadic clashes for several hours and some demonstrators were injured, others arrested or beaten. Some demonstrators reported the widespread presence of plain clothes security forces, including members of Hezbollah. Given government polls showing that less than 6 percent of the population support the more conservative factions of the regime, an increasing use of repressiom is to be expected. Workers Left Unity -Iran supports anti government protests in Iran, a sign of the frustration of the majority population with unfulfilled promises by 'reformists'. We condemn the use of security forces and their brutality in attacking protesters . Coordinating Committee of Workers Left Unity- Iran
10th July 2002