Security forces prevent the gathering of ‘Mourning Mothers’

Iran News Agency: Suppressive government agents prevented ‘Mourning Mothers’ from gathering in Laleh Park [this past Saturday January 17, 2010]. The mothers of the martyrs of the freedom-seeking movement come together every Saturday. This week however, they were prevented from gathering due to the heavy presence of police force. Five police vans were parked near the main water fountain of the park, and more than a hundred police officers were present to disperse ‘Mourning Mothers’ members.

The police had their every move under control starting from 3:30 p.m. From 4:00 p.m. more security forces were summoned to the park. When ‘Mourning Mothers’ arrived, they were given warnings by the police.

The mothers stayed in small groups of three or four in the streets leading to the water fountain, waiting for an opportunity to come together. The forces moved toward them around 4:30 p.m. and did not allow them to stay at their location. The police tried to make their presence discrete, but most people near the water fountain became aware of their hurried actions. The police tried to prevent people from staying close to the water fountain, and all the benches around the fountain were emptied. The rude behavior of the police toward the mourning mothers seemed to disgust the crowd.

It is clear that the government cannot tolerate the gathering of heart-broken mothers who just want to mourn the loss of their children. The heavy presence of police vehicles specific for transferring the detainees, also the batons and shields in the hands of the police, proves that the government fears any form of gathering.

Translation by: Neda Shayesteh