Regarding the lack of recent posts

Hello from Persian Net Media!

The new school term has started, and due to the increased workload that we are experiencing, there simply isn’t time to devote to high-quality translations. Updates will be sporadic at best until December, when the term ends. Apologies for not getting to this sooner.

Thanks so much for everything,

- Kyle & Mark

Elaboration on the Scientific theft by Kamran Daneshjou, Minister of Sciences

Change (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/094049.php

24 September 2009

In part of the body of a blog post, the International Nature Journal has reported that a minister in Ahmadinejad’s current cabinet, Kamran Daneshjou, plagiarized many parts of another article into one of his own.

According to the Taghyir report, ‘Nature’ has reported that Kamran Daneshjou accomplished this act of academic theft by lifting passages from an article which was published in 2002 by a group of Korean researchers. Kamran Daneshjou tacked his own name onto many of the images and subjects of the aforementioned article in an article of his own which was published in 2008. The current Minister of Sciences even copied some of the principle parts of the [Korean researchers’] text word-for-word, yet it was still published under his own name.

Kamran Daneshjou’s article was published in the journal “Engineering with Computers”, which when compared to the original article by the Korean authors in “Journal of Physics D”, the copied parts of the article can be clearly seen.

To see Kamran Daneshjou’s article, follow this link and the original article by the Korean authors can be seen here. Kamran Daneshjou published this plagiarized article as a member of the Mechanics Department of the University of Science and Technology. Without a doubt, the disclosure of such an act of scientific thievery will have devastating effects for the ‘face’ of students and professors in Iran.

Previously existing uncertainties about Kamran Daneshjou’s doctorate degree have also been alluded to in the content of ‘Nature’. He has announced several times before that he received his doctorate from the “Royal Science and Technology College of Manchester”, but after a period of time, he changed his story saying that he received his doctorate from the “Royal College of London”.

Some of the Majles representatives also hinted at existing uncertainties about Kamran Daneshjou’s degree during the vote of confidence for Ahmadinejad’s cabinet. On the day of the confidence vote, however, the speaker of the Majles Ali Larijani announced to the assembly that Kamran Daneshjou’s degree had no problems and the Majles representatives had not even considered discussing this matter.

According to the Taghyir report, it was also determined recently that one of the other ministers of the conservative cabinet of Ahmadinejad [had committed] scientific theft. Ali-Akbar Mehrabian, Minister of Industry, registered his own and Ahmadinejad’s name on inventions stolen from others. The public court of Tehran, meanwhile, confirmed that fraud [had occurred] in the registry of the secured patent room, and orders to change names of inventors were issued. Hashemi Shahroudi*, however,  gave orders in order to protect Mehrabian from being convicted.

*Shahroudi was the head of the Judiciary at the time

Widespread changes at the University of Tehran in order to prevent student protests

Amir Kabir (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/094016.php

23 September 2009

Amir Kabir: Measures to prevent further student protests are being implemented by the directors of the university. [These measures began] two weeks ago when the university dorms re-opened and the delayed exams were administered. The exams had been delayed because of the attack on the dorms by Ansar forces and the subsequent traumatization and arrest of a great number of students.

Written slogans on the University dorms

According to the Amir Kabir report, in the past two weeks, since the re-opening of the university dormitories, the dormitories have been declared an ‘intense security area’. Since the dormitories re-opened on the 14^th of Shahrivar (September 5th), plain-clothes forces have occupied the area around the dormitories, which they patrol together with University’s security forces. Due to the existence of these threatening measures, however, many pieces of graffiti have been seen on the dormitory walls.

Though they are not residents, student Basij forces have been present in some of the dorms, in order to continue efforts to create a tangible atmosphere of fear and dread in the dorms. With all of this, however, since the re-opening of the dorms, male and female student residents of the University of Tehran, along with other residents of the Amir-Abad area of Tehran, have shouted ‘Allaho Akbar’ during the wee hours of the night, which has caused dormitory officials to take action and ask the boys and girls to identify the students [responsible for the chants], however, because of the great number of students, this matter is still not certain.

Installation of an antenna across from the University dorms over the summer break

While the dormitories were closed, a new antenna was erected on top of a building across from the temporary Masjid building of the university dorms in the Amir-Abad area. In the students’ opinion, [the antennae] most likely belong to the Revolutionary Guard or Basij, but its purpose is still unknown. It is possible that the antenna is a security measure in order to control the dormitory space in the new academic year. It is worth mentioning that in the building, a room on top floor has been appropriated by Security forces and [it is unlikely] that the room will not be in communication with the antenna.

Drawings on the interior of the University dorms

On this basis, rumors also exist regarding the directors of the dorms’ move to transfer buildings 20, 21 and 23 to married students. At the same time as end of the students’ final exams, in this respect, the directors of the university of Tehran announced that the students’ registration and the beginning of the new term would be several days late. According to the students, the authorities intend to implement change and alterations in the dorms during this [delay]. Also, according to some other students, this delay has occurred because of the installation of surveillance in the students rooms.

Reduction of more than 1500 students from the dormitories

According to the report from Amir Kabir, on the threshold of the re-opening of the University of Tehran, the University’s directors’ fears and the line of action they have adopted to confront a wave of student protests [have come to light], when three buildings were suddenly emptied. Residents have been discharged from Buildings 20 and 21, which is where undergraduate students reside, and also building 23, which is reserved for senior undergraduate students. These buildings are located on the south side of the University of Tehran and overlook the streets of Amir-Abad from the north.

A reduction in the number of student residents has been sought by Farhad Rahbar, the Dean of the University, and by other directors of the University. Instead of providing dormitory accommodation, their method is to provide newly arriving students for the new academic year with housing accommodation in the city. The University of Tehran has also meanwhile notified a list of term-10 undergraduates and also term-6 senior undergraduates who will not be provided dormitories.

Italy has Demanded the Withdrawal of its Foreign Forces from Afghanistan

Etemaad (Tehran, Iran)

http://www.etemaad.ir/Released/88-06-28/144.htm

19 September, 2009

Translated by Mark Jenkins

The Italian Prime Minister has announced the withdrawal of Italian forces from Afghanistan’s territory following the outburst of explosions today in the city of Kabul that killed six Italian soldiers.

According to Al Jazeera, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Burlesconi commented on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan during a European Union meeting in Belgium, stating, “We are taking our boys back as soon as possible.”  He added, “We are convinced that our military forces need to leave Afghan soil.”  The Italian prime minister stated, however, that the decision is ultimately up to NATO, as Italy is afraid of betraying its allies and does not wish to act alone. 

A car bombing last Thursday killed 16 people in Kabul, 10 of which were civilians.  This incidence alone also injured 55 people, destroyed 21 shops, and seven vehicles.

As the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, its government officials have released the final results of last month’s presidential election.  These results showed that Hamid Karzai received 54% of the vote, while Doctor Abdullah Abdullah received 27%.  If the results are due to election fraud, however, the vote will likely be cancelled.  European Union observers have stated that at least a quarter million votes could be thrown out.  The prospect of canceling these votes would mean that Karzai would not have received 50% of the vote, and would have to face his most serious opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, in a second round.  According to the official results, Karzai received [approximately] 3 million votes, while Abdullah received a million. 

Despite this tumultuous election, Hamid Karzai recently announced that he is not willing to have a second running of the election based on criticism alone.  He expressed during an interview with CNN, “We cannot make a mistake upon another mistake, I think this is the correct thing to do, and you can be assured the elections in Afghanistan were fair and just.” 

Given continued insecurity in Afghanistan, however, the European countries are concerned that they cannot defeat the Taliban.  In the face Italy expressing its inclination towards withdrawing its forces from the country, Moscow has stated that it does not wish to participate in this battle.  Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has stated that he wishes to eliminate the possibility of his country joining in Afghanistan.

Lavrov remarked with a journalist that he felt that the west, and especially the United States, wishes that Russia quickly aid with the difficult military situation in Afghanistan, stating “Those currently involved in the deadlock in Afghanistan do wish for Russia to advance the situation.  Everyday, however, Russia thinks less of joining militarily in Afghanistan.” 

This situation is being avoided completely, the American commander in Afghanistan believes that International Forces’ goals are achievable.  General David Patraeus has stated that Afghanistan will require a robust and constant mission for the joint forces.  His English counterpart, however, has stated that negotiating with the Taliban may be an alternative to the game of bleeding them.  The Commander of US Forces in the Middle East has stated that violence in Afghanistan has increased 60% since January. 

According to the French News Service, it has been proven that the Coalition Forces’ mission, the destruction of the Taliban, is achievable.  In his opinion, there are serious problems and obstacles in Afghanistan, and although the situation is grave, the mission is still possible to achieve.  Part of the increase in violence, he said, is due to the greater amount of Afghan and International Forces attempting to establish security against the Taliban. 

On the other hand, an English commander responsible for a program seeking reconciliation, has stated that talks with the Taliban and low-end involvement with them is necessary.  In an interview with the Independent, General Graham said, “We must consider reviewing the enemy that we are fighting.  Many of the young people we are fighting do not even know it’s a crime.  They are expecting a better life, and will be happy if we negotiate with them, we should speak with these individuals.”  General David Richards, the new head of the British Army, warned coalition forces of a defeat, stating, “Extremists could be convinced that they can achieve anything.”

News Shorts from 21 September: Pirates, Internet disruptions, and trouble at Azadi Stadium

Naval Forces: Unsuccessful attack on 3 Iranian vessels in the Gulf of Aden by pirates

Mehr News Agency (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093896.php

21 September 2009

Alertly and with a timely reaction to the situation, a deployed fleet of 3 Iranian vessels prevented an attack by pirates intending to harass the commerce of our nation. According to the Mehr correspondent, who quoted the Navy’s public relations [bureau], expeditionary units of the Islamic Republic of Iran dispatched a helicopter to the area after information [arrived] about the approach of a number of anonymous boats to three Iranian ships (Abouzar Iran, Fars Iran and Bam Iran).

The report continued: After the initial contact of the Iranian naval group with the unidentified boats and their failure to heed warnings, the expeditionary naval group entered into action and the incident occurred in a concealed and remote area. It is worth mentioning that the ship ‘Kharak’ and the War Destroyer ‘Sabelan’ have also joined the special operations group of the Navy of the Islamic Republic in the Gulf of Aden.

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Unprecedented disruptions in the Iranian Internet network continues

Green Road Movement (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093902.php

21 September 2009

Green Road Movement Network: Disruptions in many parts of the country on the national internet network began on Thursday the 26th of Sharivar (September 16^th) of this year are still occuring. Charges of internet disruptions such as ‘reduced internet speed’ and even ‘lack of user access to allowed sites’, ‘disruption of internet phone contacts’ and ‘full severance of internet telephone connection to Great Britain’ have come out. This clampdown began on Thursday, on the threshold of the extensive demonstration of the green movement, [which were planned] on the internet all over the country, and now continues.

The News Agency ILNA reported in the same regard, alluding to “disruptions on the national internet network during the past three days [which] have indicated the cause of problems for the users” and that “in some hours of the day, these disruptions are reduced and at other times, they increase in frequency”. They also reported that internet disruptions “have been related to all of the types of internet lines, including dial-up and DSL”.

According to this report “disruptions on the national internet network caused problems for users who intended to use internet telephone services to contact people outside the country, the most important of which were difficulties in contacting England, which was cut off for the entire three day period”.

ILNA adds “Such extensive disruptions have existed before this, in past days and after the presidential elections, but the cause of disruptions in such days has caused confusion for the users, because company officials have acknowledged that no problem exists in security or infrastructure”. No Infrastructure Company or Ministry of Communication officials have been willing to answer [questions] at this time.

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Green-wearing fans were prohibited from entering Azadi Stadium

Green Wave of Freedom (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093889.php

21 September 2009

While the color green could be seen all through the 90,000 football fans in Azadi Stadium, the match between Esteghlal and Steel Azin FC was broadcasted in black and white with no sound because of “technical difficulties”. The meeting of the teams Rah Ahan FC and Persepolis Tehran was also held today, but before the start of the match police forces prevented the entry of many of those wearing green to the stadium.

According to the Green Wave of Freedom report, to quote one of the supporters of Persepolis FC, NAJA* agents based in Azadi Stadium did not allow fans who were wearing green into the stadium and dealt with them repulsively. This comes while an investigative reporter has now said that fans of the club who also intended to enter the stadium with green shirts with were met with many ugly and confrontational gestures by the NAJA officials, which of course was solved when the authorities of the Persepolis club stepped in and the fans were able to enter the stadium.

In continuing to refer to this situation, fans of Persepolis FC now have asked “our question is, in the face of such ugly behavior, it worth it for fans who come from far away cities to Azadi Stadium to come watch their beloved teams?”

*NAJA stands for “Nirouha-ye Entezami-ye Jamhouri-ye Iran” which translates as the Police Forces of the Iranian Republic

Announcement of the complete preliminary vote count of the Presidential election

Payam-e Mojahed (Kabul, Afghanistan)

http://www.payamemojahed.com/index.php/more/2094/

20 September 2009

The election commission has announced the complete preliminary vote count of the Presidential election. Based on this commission’s statistics, Hamid Karzai received more than three million votes.  Out of of nearly 6 million votes, Mr. Karzai received approximately 3,093,000. This statistic shows that Mr Karzai won the election with 55% of the total vote. Hamid Karzai’s main rival, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, received more than one and a half million votes (1,571,000), thus finishing in second place, receiving 28% of the total vote. Dr. Ramazan Bashardost, who came in third place, received more than half a million votes (520,000). The election commission also has announced that out of the 15 million votes who were expecting to participate in the second Presidential elections, almost 6 million people cast their votes, meaning 38% of the [eligible] voters [participated].

Based upon the election commission statistic, more than 58% of the eligible voters were women and the participation rate of men has been estimated to be approximately 38%. The election commission announced Mr. Karzai as the winner during the preliminary counting of the votes, a fact that the election observers from the EU found suspect, given that approximately only one and a half million of the cast votes had been counted.

Many experts on national issues, however, had warned about this from the beginning. In the present conditions, the election entering a second round would be a critical matter given the widespread fraud that occurred. Up until now, [these analysts] have not worn the vestments of action. With attention to a questionable [count of] 5 million votes, however, one must say that if the investigatory commission pursues the complaints [it has received], and if the independent election commission correctly handles the cases of voter fraud, Mr. Karzai will arrive at a count of less than 50% of the vote and we will have to wait for the holding of a second round of elections.

Nevertheless, the people of Afghanistan, the population of the world, and the election candidates, can certainly wait for the election to go to a second round and for a new and serious competition between the two superior candidates. Given all that has occurred already, another fraudulent result will not be believable.

Dr.Abdullah Abdullah, Hamid Karzai’s main rival, has already said that “I will wait until they see how the results of the investigation of electoral complaints will be”. Mr. Abdullah has called for a serious review of electoral complaints. Meanwhile, some concerns have come out regarding which institution will announce the final decision of the elections, [such as]: “Does the investigatory commission legally have the right to command the election commission to recount the votes?” and “If the votes are recounted, and it does not satisfy the investigative commission, which institution has the responsibility for the final decision in the case of the confirmation of the election?”

In reply to these concerns, Dawwoud Ali Najafi, the secretary of the Independent Electoral Commission has said “In the case of legal competencies of the Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Investigatory Commission, the necessary clarity does not exist and the legal ambiguity makes the final decision making more difficult”.

Another Report from Edvar News on [Yesterday’s] Street Demonstrations

Protestors attacked on Keshavarz, Motaheri, Vali Asr, Taleghani, and Azadi streets with batons and tear gas [with a unique report of 'opening fire’]

Edvar News

Accessed From Gooya:  http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093811.php

Translated by Mark Jenkins

Another Report from Edvar News on [Yesterday’s] Street Demonstrations

Edvar news:  Reports from Tehran are flowing in concerning the election protests, as areas of the city are becoming cites of conflict, with tear gas and baton beatings being used by Basij and Plain clothes forces.

According to the Edvar News Agency report, the street protestors demonstrating in the expanse [along Kehavarz Street] between Laleh Park and Haft-e Tir Square, came into conflict with Basij forces, using pepper spray and tear gas.

The protestors again resumed their march down Keshavarz Street towards Vali Asr, and as they met Vali Asr near Motaheri street, they met tens of thousands of the citizens of Iran marching, and as several thousand marched down Motaheri Street, a few hundred clashed with the Special Guard Unit.  A number of protestors set fire to garbage bins before [the security forces].

It has also been reported that similar violence has occurred at Haft-e Tir Square in Tehran, where a shooting* had occurred.

In addition, demonstrations on Taleghani and Vali Asr Streets occurring at the beginning of the day, were also attacked by Basijis with batons.

Security forces also clashed with the people at Azadi street nearby the intersection with Navab Street.  One of the most extreme encounters with security forces occurred at Azadi Square. 

The protests spread along Vali Asr Street to Vanak Square until 5:00 PM.

*”Opening fire,” “bullet or arrow casting,”

 

Editorial: 

While the single report of a shooting seems spurious, and doesn’t directly propose that security forces “opened fire,” this particular article highlights the violence which did occur on Qods day.  This level of violence and opposition was underreported by both Western media sources, and the conservative Iranian media.

American ambassador to the UN: We have not planned for a meeting between Obama and Ahmadinejad at the UN

Iran Labor News Agency (Tehran, Iran)

Accessed from Gooya: http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093839.php

19 September 2009

Susan Rice, America’s ambassador to the United Nations commented on the possibility of a meeting between the presidents of Iran and the US in the margins of the UN General Assembly meeting, saying “We certainly have not planned for this kind of meeting”.

According to ILNA, Rice considered it unlikely in the UN Assembly that any kind of direct interaction would take place between Iran and the US at this UN General Assembly summit. According to the ILNA report’s quote from the Associated Press, in regard to a possible meeting of Barack Obama and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the UN General Assembly session, Susan Rice said yesterday that “I do not think it is very likely that there will be interaction between the two parties”. She continued, explaining “There isn’t [currently] a time or a defined place for the realization of this matter and we certainly have not planned for this kind of meeting”.

Barack Obama will be in New York from next Monday until next Wednesday in order to attend the General Assembly’s meeting, which will be held with 192 member nations present. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will also travel to America next week to attend this summit and give a speech. Much has been made over the proposed possibility of a meeting, although brief and ceremonial, between Obama and Ahmadinejad in New York. In continuination, Susan Rice reported on the Group 5+1’s (which includes five members of the UN Security Council and Germany) emphasis on the necessity to call on Iran to commit to its nuclear responsibilities.

While the US and its Western Allies are continuing to strive to hold back Iran’s nuclear program, the International Atomic Energy Agency again announced in an [official] statement on the 17th of September that no evidence exists about any under-cover Iranian program for the construction of an atomic bomb. The IAEA also explained in this statement that “After meeting with the Governing Council on the 9^th of September, the director of the Agency, Mohammad El-Baradaei, warned that any kind of accusation claiming that the Agency has withheld information about Iran’s nuclear program are political and baseless”.

Hundreds of Thousands of the People of Tehran Demonstrate against the Coup d’etat Government

Mehdi Karroubi was present with the people

Edvar News

Accessed from Gooya:

http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093795.php

18 September, 2009

Translated by Mark Jenkins

Hundreds of thousands of people protested today in the streets leading up to Tehran University, carrying green symbols.  They protested against the fraud that took place three months ago the June 12^th election, and the events that followed after it.

These protests occurred on the last Friday of Ramazan, Qods Day.*

According to an Edvar News report, supporters of the Green Movement made an unexpected appearance at 10:30 this morning. Haft-e Tir Square become full of groups of demonstrators shouting slogans such as ‘Allaho Akbar,’ ‘Death to the dictator,’ ‘Palestine! Palestine! We are like you,’ ‘Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein,’ and ‘We support Mosuavi, Karroubi.’  The groups of people moved towards Vali Asr Street on Kehavarz Boulevard.  This street was filled with people wearing green, from Haft-e Tir Square to Laleh Park.

There was a large presence of female demonstrators amongst the protests.  During Ahmadinejad’s speech, they chanted slogans in response to him; for instance, during chants of ‘Death to America,’ they chanted ‘Death to Russia,’ back.

These demonstrators also chanted slogans like ‘Rape’s torture won’t leave another mark,’ and ‘Oh Palestine, don’t see Kahrizak!’ protesting the government’s crimes.

Shaikh Mehdi Karroubi appeared amongst the protestors at 11:00 AM at Haft-e Tir Square and accompanied them to Palestine Street.

It has been said that the Special Guard forces were deployed along certain routes. One such [instance] was at the intersection of Palestine Street and Keshavarz Boulevard, however they failed to keep the line of people from moving through.

Several small conflicts between supporters of the Coup d’etat government and the demonstrators occurred, leading to pepper spray and tear gas being fired in some places.

The groups of demonstrators also chanted unprecedented slogans in support of Ayatollahs Montazeri and Sanei, two prominent Shiite authorities.

*Literally, Jerusalem Day, or perhaps ‘Temple-mount Day;’ this is not a traditional part of Ramazan, rather it is an invention of Ruhollah Khomeini after the 1979 Revolution, to commemorate the continuing struggle of the Palestinians.  It is not purported to be an Islamic holiday, and non-Muslims are encouraged to participate.

News Shorts from 18th September: Qods day demonstrations

Special Gooya Report: Assault on the people of Tabriz and Shiraz, nearly one hundred thousand people gathered between Haft-tir and Vali-Asr in Tehran

Gooya News Agency

http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093778.php

18 September 2009

Greens in Tabriz came under attack as they were making their way along the course of Abresan until Mansour intersection, where several of them were arrested. Different networks are broadcasting IRIB archival footage and selections of the attendance of people at past Qods day rallies. The group of Greens in the streets of Shiraz today was sizeable and government forces and their supporters viciously attacked this group of greens and it is reported that the supporters of Mousavi were barbarously attacked, struck and battered. Tear gas was used In order to disperse the crowds.

Al-Arabia also confirmed minutes ago that Mohammad Khatami was attacked by Basij forces. People in Vali-Asr square have been chanting “Where are you Khomeini? Iran has become Palestine!”

A crowd of demonstrators covered in the interval between Haft-Tir and Vali-Asr square and continued to swell until the crowd numbered nearly one hundred thousand people. Another of the people’s slogans was “True Clerics, Montazeri, Sanaei!”. One of the basic cries of the people in Tehran that has also now been heard from 12:30 this afternoon on the streets leading to the University of Tehran “Not Gaza, Not Lebanon, Only the Green Movement of Iran!”

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Special Gooya Report: The slogan of the people addressed to Ahmadinejad “Liar! Get Lost!” in the midst of hundreds of volleys of tear gas near the University of Tehran

Gooya News Agency

http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2009/09/093782.php

18 September 2009

Around 1 o’clock in Tehran: A group of Greens occupied the 16^th of Azar Street and was to such an extent that it was difficult to breathe and even the plain-clothes forces could not confront the group. Finally, at the intersection of 16^th Azar and Enghelab, they used tear gas, which forced people into the side streets and also now all of the places have become busy. Kargar street is boiling with activity and the people have cut the street off.

Hebab Street and Keshavarz Boulevard were filled with green crowds. During Ahmadinejad’s speech, the people in these streets angrily, forcefully and monolithically cried out “Liar! Get lost!”. The people’s angry voice was also heard crying out “Liar, get choked!”. Tens of loudspeakers were powerfully broadcasting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech, but the people’s voices and shouts against Ahmadinejad were still well heard.

The entrances to Hebab Street and Keshavarz Boulevard were closed to the people by plain-clothes forces, who sprayed pepper gas to keep the people out. The people who had been hit were coughing heavily and some of them sounded asthmatic. In order to prevent the entry of people to the areas adjacent to the University of Tehran, government forces volleyed hundreds of canisters of tear gas. Government forces have gathered around the University of Tehran and appeared in the streets around there and rained down a great flurry of violence against the greens.