Stop violence against election protesters
Dear friend,
Supporters of reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi gather on streets of Tehran. © APGraphicsBank Iran is in turmoil.
The world is looking on in horror as millions of outraged people take to the streets to peacefully protest against the country's disputed election results -- only to be brutally silenced by military police armed with batons, tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition.
At least 21 people have been killed, with reports of hundreds injured, and the situation has now escalated into a crisis striking at the heart of Iranian society that threatens to spill over into further bloodshed on city streets.
At this crucial moment in Iran's history, we must urge the Iranian authorities to bring an end to the crackdown, and allow people to protest freely without fear of further violence.
Please email Iran's Supreme Leader - Ayatollah Khamenei - calling on him to end the violent repression of protestors
In a chilling act of defiance, the Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned demonstrators to stop protesting or accept responsibility for any "bloodshed", while at the same time opposition leader Mr Mousavi urged them to continue their rallies. Neither side is prepared to back down, and it is fast becoming clear that this is the biggest challenge to the state in the Islamic Republic's 30-year history.
There is no time to lose - let's show Iran that the rest of the world is watching
The violence has led many to abandon protest plans, and the regime is making it hard to organise further protests by shutting down domestic and international media, the internet and tracking demonstrators on mobile phones. This week they've deployed thousands of non-uniformed, armed militia on the streets of Tehran to combat the threat of further rallies, and now we're hearing that fresh protests will be met with 'revolutionary confrontation' by Iran's elite security forces.
Worse still, since Iran's Guardian Council ruled out the possibility of nullifying the election, the Government has intensified efforts to brutally suppress the spirit of resistance that has challenged its authority.
As a global movement who understand the value of human rights, we know this is no way to handle peaceful protests. Let's give hope to the Iranian people, who have every right to question their leaders without fear of violence, and stop this bloody crackdown in its tracks.
Thank you for giving your voice to those silenced in Iran.
Jenny, Reuben, Seb, Katie and the rest of the crisis response team
Amnesty International Australia
PS. If it wasn't for the protesters facing awful risks on the streets of Iran, we would today be sending you a tax-time reminder to donate towards our vital human rights work around the world. It is in times of crisis like this that the importance of your financial support to allow us to mobilise quickly and powerfully is so apparent. Please consider contributing your tax-time donation after you've taken action. Thank you.
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