People’s gathering in Ghoba mosque in Tehran on Sunday was another troubling day for the security forces, the police and plain-clothes vigilantes in Iran. These government forces had taken position along the north-south avenue where the mosque is located (on Shariati avenue) while the intersections were under the tight control of the anti riot squads. But despite this, thousands of people came to the mosque and chanted “Mousavi, Mousavi, We Continue to Support You” in the face of the attacks of the security guards.

The meeting was called to commemorate the “martyrs of 7 Tir”, when about 100 political personalities in the Islamic republic were killed as a result of an explosion at a meeting of the now-defunct Islamic Republican party in Tehran in 1981. Mir-Hossein Mousavi and his wife were both scheduled to participate in the gathering, but apparently could not get to the mosque because of the large number crowds who had come to remember those who had died a quarter of a century ago. Mousavi sent his message through the telephone which was broadcast for the public outside the mosque. The message stressed the pursuit of the votes of the people and the need to remain peaceful.

According to the most recent reports, the event was scheduled to start at 6pm, but as early as 2pm government’s security forces had taken full alert posture around all the streets leading up to the mosque. And as in previous gatherings, there was a large contingent of motorcyclists near the mosque who were expected to intervene to disrupt and harm the demonstrators if necessary. And this is precisely what did happen as the gathering proceeded, as a result of which many people were hurt and injured because the bike riders rammed into them and beat them up with the goal of breaking up the crowds.

The thousands of protestors who challenge the official outcome of the June 12 presidential elections and had gathered around the mosque gradually began their chants. The police and security agents initially tried to disperse the large crowds outside the mosque. But this did not produce their desired results and people showed their determination to stay, the agents turned to violence. By this time however, the crowds were so large that one could not see their end and all the sidewalks on the streets leading up to the mosque were full of people. Government agents soon began firing into the air to disperse the crowds, but the crowds of people were so large that they could not leave the scene even if they wanted to. Then came tear-gas that was used to break up the gathering. But again to no avail. Officials had brought hot water canons to the scene to be used in case of need, and this was their moment. Hot water was sprayed on the gatherers, but this too did not lead in the public leaving the streets.

It was at this time that word spread that Mir-Hossein Mousavi and his wife Dr Zahra Rahnavard had arrived, soon to be joined by cleric Mehdi Karroubi, as people welcomed and cheered them.

Reports indicated that the violence that erupted at the gathering injured and hurt many participants, but fortunately did not lead to any deaths despite the shootings and use of force.