Every year, Iranians celebrate the last Tuesday night before the New Year, which begins on the first day of spring, by jumping over bonfires set up in neighborhood alleys.
This year though it has a special meaning as the opposition has called for protests every Tuesday. In an effort to intimidate the populace into staying at home, the authorities filled the streets of Tehran and all major cities with thousands of forces.
The head of the Tehran Court, Alireza Avayi, warned people not to mix protests with this celebration and Security Forces Commander Bahman Kargar has also warned the public that anyone arrested on the last Tuesday night of the year will not be released until the end of the two-week New Year’s celebrations.
Other clerics called this celebration anti-Islamic and warned people not to come out to the streets.
The Iranians had other ideas though as they took to the streets across Iran, once again defying the regime and showing their hatred for their Islamic rulers. Some burned the pictures of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The celebrations were continuing late into the night across Iran.
Iran – Tehran – March 15, 2011 – Protesters singing, Mobarak, Ben Ali, now its the turn for Seyed Ali, referring to Iran’s supreme leader.
Iran – March 15, 2011 – People set fire to pictures of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei and Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iran – Tehran – March 15, 2011 – People defying the regime.
Iran – Tehran – March 15 – People defying the regime and dancing in the streets.
Iran – Ahvaz – March 15, 2011 – People celebrating Chaharshanbeh Souri
Iran – Tehran – March 15, 2011 – People control the streets in TehranPars area East of Tehran.
Iran – Tehran – March 15, 2011 – People dancing to music and celebrating in defiance to the Islamic regime.
Iran – March 15, 2011 – People set fire to pictures of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran – Kermanshah – March 15, 2011 – People in control of the streets.
Iran – March 15, 2011 – People shouting “Death to dictator” into the night.
Iran – March 15, 2011 – People confronting the Islamic forces.
Iran – March 15, 2011 – People set fire to the security forces patrol car.
Iran – Rasht – March 15, 2011 – People shouting “Death to dictator”.
Iran – Esfahan – March 15, 2011- People celebrating Chaharshanbeh Souri in defiance of the regime.
