- TEHRAN: Hundreds of thousands of pro-government demonstrators gathered in one of Tehran's main squares to mark the 31st anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution as Internet speeds dropped dramatically around the capital in government efforts to foil counter-demonstrations.
State television showed images of thousands upon thousands carrying often identical banners marching along the city's broad avenues toward the central Azadi, or freedom square, to attend a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The opposition has vowed to stage counter demonstrations, but eyewitnesses say police have deployed hundreds of forces in central Tehran to confront them.