Demonstrator Killed in Iran: Millions Protest

Murder plain and simple-Content warning. More Via HA.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Gunfire from a pro-government militia killed one man and wounded several others Monday after hundreds of thousands of chanting opponents of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad marched in central Tehran to support their pro-reform leader in his first public appearance since disputed elections.

The outpouring in Azadi, or Freedom, Square for reformist leader Mir Hossein Mousavi followed a decision by Iran's most powerful figure for an investigation into the vote-rigging allegations.Security forces watched quietly, with shields and batons at their sides.

Later, a group of demonstrators with fuel canisters set a small fire at a compound of a volunteer militia linked to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as the crowd dispersed from the square. As some tried to storm the building, people on the roof could be seen firing directly at the demonstrators at the northern edge of the square, away from the heart of the rally.

Lose gunman or orders from higher up either way millions were there.

Protesters cried “Allahu Akbar!” and, in a remarkable reference to Mr Ahmadinejad, “death to the dictator!”. Although the government attempted to ban public protest on Monday, the streets of Tehran thronged with angry citizens. Many wore bright green clothing that has become the symbol of the campaign of Mir Hosein Mousavi, the main opposition leader. His supporters say that he was cheated either of outright victory or at least of a chance to compete in a second round run-off against Mr Ahmadinejad. The government also tried to stop Mr Mousavi, a moderate former prime minister, from attending the protest. But he, along with another moderate opposition candidate, nonetheless appeared. Mr Mousavi told supporters that he is ready to take part in a new poll.