Violent clashes in Tehran as police disperse protestors

Police beat protesters and fired tear gas and water cannons at thousands who rallied in Tehran today in open defiance of Iran’s clerical government, sharply escalating the most serious internal conflict since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Eyewitnesses described fierce clashes near Revolution Square after some 3,000 protesters, many wearing black, chanted “Death to the dictator” and “Death to dictatorship”.