June 15, 2009

Protests Rock Iran

Angry voters shout out against the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

By Laura Slot

Hundreds of thousands of protestors have taken to the streets of Tehran, Iran's capital. They are demonstrating against the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad (ma- mood ah-mah-dih —nah-zhad). They don't agree with the outcome of the election.

BEN CURTIS—AP Protestors gather in the streets of Tehran.

While votes were still being counted on Friday, Ahmedinejad proudly announced that he would remain Iran's president for four more years. But his opponent, Mir Hossein Mousavi, said the election was unfair. He thinks that he is the winner, and he wants the election results to be canceled. "Fraud is evident," said a letter on Mousavi's website.

Mousavi is especially popular with younger Iranians who want more freedom. His supporters wore green clothes and waved green flags. Green is the color of Mousavi's party.

Police have arrested demonstrators, but nobody knows how many. At least one demonstrator was killed. Iran's government has blocked the use of mobile phones and many websites.

"We want our president, not the one who was forced on us," said Sara, a 28-year-old Iranian woman. She did not give her last name because she was afraid she would be punished for speaking out.

The Wrong Winner?

Ahmadinejad said he thinks the large demonstrations in the streets are "not important." The protestors, he said, just can't stand losing. "Some believed they would win, and then they got angry," he said in a news conference. He said he received more votes than his main opponent. "The margin between my votes and the others is too much and no one can question it," Ahmadinejad said.

While many Iranians are demonstrating, Ahmadinejad's supporters are happy that he won. They chant his name and wave the Iranian flag.

A Problematic President

Ahmadinejad has become the most prominent voice in Iran during the past four years. His words have created tension between Iran and Western countries, especially the United States. Many countries are worried about Ahmadinejad's plans to develop a nuclear-energy program. That program could possibly lead to war.

MAJID—GETTY IMAGES Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife cast their vote at a polling station in Tehran.

When Ahmadinejad won his first election in 2005, there were few complaints. But leaders in countries like Germany and the U.S. are not sure if this election was fair. So many people are angry about the result that it raises questions.

World leaders are worried about the situation in Iran. During a television interview, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said he hopes that all Iranian votes have been counted fairly, but, he added, "We just don't know enough."

"This is not election. This is selection," read one English-language sign at the demonstration. Other marchers held signs that said, "We want our vote!" and raised their fingers in a V shape, for victory.

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