Around 1000 opposition protesters were gathering in Tehran on Monday despite a ban by authorities on demonstrations. But witnesses said riot police were taking up positions to confront them.
 

According to witnesses, around 300 to 400 policemen and members of the volunteer Basij militia were getting ready to confront the protestors in the capital's Haft-e Tir square.
 

A call to gather on that square on Monday at 16H00 (local time) was circulated  apparently on Twitter as a tribute to the demonstrator, Neda, who was shot and died during demonstrations on Saturday.  A graphic video viewed by many on the internet, shows the demonstrator’s final seconds and the panic around the event.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened harsh treatment for demonstrators. The Guard warned opponents of the regime that there would  be an unprecedented clampdown if they took to the streets again.

The elite army organisation says the demonstrations are a conspiracy. Other army organisations are believed to be planning to use force to end the demonstrations against President Amadinejad. Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Moussavi has called on the demonstrators to keep up the protest but to avoid bloodshed.

At least ten people were killed during demonstrations on Saturday. The Iranian authorities say “armed vandals with terrorist elements” were responsible for Saturday’s violence. Mousavi supporters have called on the people to show their sympathy to the victims today by carrying a black candle with a green ribbon. Green is the colour of Mousavi’s party.

The Iranian government has fiercely criticised the West, which it says is behind the protests.

Source: Reuters