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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran | |
| Iran students see hidden motive in police traffic control | |
| 2004-07-07 | |
| TEHRAN: Iranian riot police have lined the streets of the capital, Tehran, to crack down on chaotic traffic but students see a show of strength ahead of this week’s anniversary of unrest in 1999. July 8 is a time of tension as students mark the pro-reform protests that turned violent after attacks by hardline militia killed at least one person inside a university dormitory. "Special police forces are helping the traffic police to restore order and enforce traffic laws," the official IRNA news agency quoted police chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as saying. "The plan has helped the flow of traffic in major cities, especially in Tehran," deputy police chief Mohsen Ansari told IRNA. With 22,000 deaths on Iranian roads each year, few doubt something needs to be done. But others were less than reassured by the special police units in camouflage paramilitary uniforms dangling batons and pepper spray at junctions around Tehran. Student leader Abdollah Momeni told Reuters the presence of special police forces created "a menacing atmosphere to prevent student protests". Since the 1999 pro-reform protests, the student movement has been severely weakened by the arrest and imprisonment of many of its leaders. Students said they doubted any protests would take place this year in Tehran. President Mohammad Khatami has been sidelined by powerful conservatives and retains little of the popularity that swept him to office in 1997 due to his failure to stand up to hardliners. Since April, new traffic rules have banned sharing a front seat, using a cellphone or smoking while driving, and made the use of seat belts mandatory. But student leader Matin Meshkini said riot police were put in the streets several months ahead of the student anniversary to conceal their real motive. "They wanted to show that no special forces were brought to the streets just because of the anniversary," he said. Some analysts said the conservatives, who won parliamentary elections in February, are on course to complete their political comeback in presidential elections in mid-2005. "By using troops they want to show people that they were able of doing everything including solving the traffic issue," said Saeed Leylaz, a political analyst. A European diplomat in Tehran called the display of special forces a show of strength by conservatives. "There has to be a worry that it is part of something more significant," the diplomat said. Some analysts said the conservatives wanted to militarise the atmosphere and said troops could stay on the streets after July 8, to strengthen conservatives grip on authority. "They want to display their power by using force and reminding people that they are ready to use force," said an analyst who asked not to be named. But many Iranians say that whatever the motive for deploying the riot police, they have solved Tehran’s traffic problem and cut pollution. "Although watchful presence of police is scary, the traffic is much better than before," said Hassan, 45, a taxi driver.
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| Posted by:Mark Espinola |
| #1 This is how the crack down in Ft. Lauderdale started. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-07-07 9:32:15 PM |