Saturday 4 July 2009

New footage disputes account of Basij base incident

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July 3, 2009


Thu, 02 Jul 2009, Press TV

Press TV has broadcast newly-obtained footage of a controversial clash between Basij members and protesters, which shows the Basij base under siege.

Tehran became the scene of violence in recent weeks amidst rallies staged in protest at the outcome of the June 12 presidential election — which saw Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected to a second term in office.

People described by Iranian officials as “saboteurs” infiltrated the riots and set fire to a mosque, two gas stations and a military post in western Tehran. At least 20 people were killed and many others were injured in the ensuing violence.

The protests came to worldwide attention when major media outlets broadcast footage of what they described as unprovoked attacks by security forces.

In Britain, Channel Four covered the news by airing a video of a clash between rioters and Basij members in which a man was seen shooting at the crowd.

According to comments broadcast in a video provided by the government in Tehran, journalist Maziar Bahari had provided Channel Four with the footage of the June 15 attack. What was aired by the channel, however, had the scene of the attack on the base censored.

The new footage obtained by Press TV shows a group of people attacking the Basij base with Molotov cocktails.

The building in question has been deemed as a vital structure and has been confirmed by Tehran officials as an armory.


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