NCRI – In recent days, young Iranians in various parts of Tehran have started celebrating the coming of the Fire Festival by setting up bonfires and playing with firecrackers starting in the afternoon hours and continuing celebrations until late at night. These areas include Gomrok Square, Kargar-e Jonoubi Street, Azari juncture, Shahrak-e Rah Ahan (end of West Hemmat), Ali Abad and Khachi Abad in southern Tehran, Tajrish, Mohseni, Niavaran, Takht-e Tavous, Abbas Abad, Vanak, Gandi, Qaem Maqam, Arya Shahr, Gisha, Shahrak-e Ekbatan, Tehran Pars, and Afsarieh.
Some youths have clashed with the regime’s forces while at Vanak Square young people set posters of the regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on fire.
Among other initiatives taken by the youths is writing graffiti on city walls, bills, and bus seats calling for participation in the Fire Festival. They have also distributed leaflets for this purpose in the cities of Rasht, Tabriz, and Shiraz.
At the same time, on March 15, in the city of Ahvaz, the regime’s agents intensified their suppressive measures in response to the youths’ activities. The regime’s forces arrested youths on bogus charges and took them to prisons. They have told the families that no one will be freed until the end of New Year holidays (beginning of April).
Sporting black and military-style attire and equipped with masked helmets, the regime’s special anti-riot guards roam the streets and squares of Ahvaz city, particularly the areas of Khorramshahr juncture, Kian Pars, Amanieh, Kamplou, and Golestan.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
March 15, 2010