More local protests for Iran election

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Supporters of freedom for Iran held a candlelight vigil on the South Congress bridge Thursday evening.

They also condemned the suppression of the latest round of protests in Iran, demonstrating against the disputed June 12 election.

The Austin group also signed a fabric scroll that will be added to those from fifty other cities, all to be unfurled from Toronto's CN Tower later this month when the Iranian regime is sworn in to its new term.

Notably, July 9 has a special significance for many Iranians. It was on that date in 1999 that the first student freedom revolt was brutally crushed in the streets by an armed radical militia. One of those who witnessed that event is Roja Najafi, now a graduate student at UT.

"They killed one person the first night and brutally attacked others while the riot police did nothing to stop them," said Najafi.

Najafi hopes to return to her family in a free and peaceful Iran. She said the disputed election and the oppression in the streets has unmasked the real intent of the current regime, but she is hopeful they will eventually fall.

"You cannot fool people for many years, abuse them and now show them your real face," said Najafi. "It's not going to last long."