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With independent media coverage of Iranian protests restricted by
authorities, witnesses are reaching out online and by telephone to
report what they see on the streets of Tehran.
Opposition Web
sites said protesters had planned to gather Saturday in Revolution
(Enghelab) and Freedom (Azadi) Squares, two of Tehran's main areas.
But
witnesses told VOA Persian News Network and other news agencies they
saw large numbers of police gathered in the streets, blocking the
demonstrators.
Near Freedom Square, the witnesses say police
clashed with thousands of protesters, arresting some and using tear
gas, batons and water cannons on others.
Some witnesses also
said they heard gunshots, but it is unclear who fired the shots. At
least three helicopters were hovering over the area.
At other places in the capital, witnesses say protesters attacked authorities, setting some of their motorcycles on fire.
News
agencies are relying heavily on information published by Iranian
citizens through social media services, such as Twitter, Facebook and
YouTube.
On Friday, Facebook announced it is making its Web site
available in Farsi, so Iranians can use the service in their native
language.
Google also introduced a new Farsi translating tool.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
Watch Video
of the protests obtained by VOA's Persian News Network.
You also can follow PNN's
Twitter feed in Farsi.
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