Forbes: Iran Resorts to Crackdown Over Fear of Large Gathering on Cyrus Day

Forbes has reported on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s prevention of people’s presence at the tomb of Cyrus the Great. The report states:

November 29 is Cyrus the Great Commemoration Day in Iran – arguably the most well-known king of ancient Persia.

Last year, thousands of Iranians shocked Tehran with a gathering on this day and showed the world that Iranian society remains strongly opposed to the ruling regime.

Over the past 48 hours, social media activists across Iran have reflected their views using the hashtag #CyrusDay and invited people to participate in this gathering.

Fearing a repeat of last year’s gathering, the Iranian regime deployed a large number of security forces and conducted military maneuvers and extensive repressive measures in the cities of Fars Province.

Units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and police, by implementing measures similar to martial law, blocked all roads leading to Pasargadae, the location of Cyrus the Great’s tomb.

The Cyrus Cylinder, which is considered the oldest declaration of human rights in the world, is one of Cyrus the Great’s legacies. The Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards are under severe criticism for continuous violations of human rights.

According to reports, security forces photographed vehicle license plates and advised travelers on the route to use the old road and keep away from Pasargadae.

Members of the Revolutionary Guards handed the following notice to passengers in vehicles and even individuals walking toward Pasargadae: “An illegal gathering at Pasargadae on the false date of November 20 is planned by the opposing and anti-regime foreign diaspora, and participation in this program falls under Article 610 of the Islamic Penal Code and offenders will face legal and judicial action.”

Despite all restrictive measures, people moved toward Pasargadae in large groups both by vehicle and on foot through various routes, and heavy traffic was evident throughout the area.

Reports indicated a large population movement toward Pasargadae from various areas of Shiraz. Police prevented any gatherings.

These severe measures by the regime indicate that Tehran is in no way willing to tolerate a repeat of protests similar to those of 2009.

The difference between today and eight years ago is that Tehran then, confident in President Barack Obama’s policy of appeasement, resorted to heavy and bloody suppression of the masses.

The new administration in Washington is an entirely different matter.

Rex Tillerson, U.S. Secretary of State, has on three separate occasions spoken of the Iranian people’s yearning for freedom.

President Trump has twice expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and considers them the first victims of the ruling regime’s wrath.

Source: Voice of America