Protests in Iran
February 14th, 2011The U.S. State Department is openly stirring the pot:
The US State Department has begun sending Twitter messages to Iranians in Farsi, alluding to the “historic role” social media have played in mass protests against Iran’s 2009 disputed presidential polls.
The Twitter feeds in the Iranian language began Sunday as US officials accused Iran of hypocrisy by supporting the anti-government revolt in Egypt but seeking to prevent anti-government demonstrations in Iran.
On the Twitter account, USAdarFarsi, the State Department said it “recognizes historic role of social media among Iranians We want to join in your conversations.”
In another tweet, the State Department said: “#Iran has shown that the activities it praised Egyptians for it sees as illegal, illegitimate for its own people.”
In a third tweet, it said “US calls on #Iran to allow people to enjoy same universal rights to peacefully assemble, demonstrate as in Cairo.”
Via: Washington Post:
Crowds of demonstrators battled security forces armed with tear gas and batons during a surprisingly large anti-government protest in the Iranian capital Monday that drew inspiration from the recent popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.
Dodging clouds of tear gas fired by police and pro-government militiamen, the protesters marched down a central boulevard and shouted slogans such as “Death to the dictator,” “We are all together” and “Down with Taliban, in Cairo and Tehran.”
