Fiery protests grip Iran's capital

Demonstrators set fires, throw stones and chant "Death to the dictator!" An opposition news website reports that at least three protesters have been killed.

By Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim
Los Angeles Times
December 27, 2009

Reporting from Beirut and Tehran — The Iranian capital erupted in massive and fiery protests today as thousands of protesters clashed with security forces on the occasion of an important Shiite Muslim holiday.

A witness told The Times that Iranian security forces have opened fire with live ammunition against unarmed protesters in a central square in the capital.

And an opposition news website reported that at least three protesters have been killed and two injured. The report could not be independently confirmed and a police source denied the reports of deaths in a comment to the pro-government Fars News Agency.

The report of deaths came amid multiple clashes breaking out between police and Iranian protesters this morning on the day of an important religious commemoration that coincides with the significant seventh day of mourning following the death of the country's leading dissident cleric.

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