Ahmadinejad TV speech met by rooftop cries, power blackouts
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a 30 minute address on Iranian national television Tuesday night, claiming that the turnout and his officially declared victory gave the government new legitimacy.
"This is a new beginning for Iran ... we have entered a new era," Ahmadinejad said. "This election has doubled the dignity of the Iranian nation."
But according to an Associated Press report, his television speech was delivered to the sound of cries of "Death to the Dictator" and "God is Great" heard shouted from rooftops in many parts of Tehran.
The speech was also accompanied by widespread electricity blackouts said claims by online protesters using Twitter. The protesters had earlier pre-arranged a call for Iranians to plug in heavy power load household devices such as dryers, irons and toasters at 9:45pm local time, as Ahmadinejad's speech began.
Online Twitter feeds claimed blackouts were achieved in East Tehran, Sari, Tabriz, Isfehan, Rodehen, Saghez, Lavasan, Ahvaz, Khoramshahr, Dezfol, Jahrom, Khomini Shahr, Shahin Shar, Folad Shahr, Kashan and some of Rasht.
Screenshots of a brief blackout of the televised speech were posted online by Swiss-based, Iranian journalist Omid Habibinia - a regular tweeter of protest news from Iran.
TWITTER FEEDS REFERING TO THE BLACKOUT PROTEST:omidhabibinia: Iron Tactic tonight: Call for Black Out During Ahmadinejad Live at TV , Tehran Time 21.30... #Iranelectionabout 5 hours ago from webAhmadinejad will appear on TV in a few mins (21.45 Tehran Time) we are waitting what will happen!about 2 hours ago from webPeople Turning ON all Electric Devices while Ahmadinejad is speaking on TV...about 2 hours ago from webYes It Worked! #iranelectionabout 2 hours ago from webGhazvin went in Black Out, People Chanting" Death to Dictator" on the roofs in many cities...about 1 hour ago from webLive Broadcast intr. few seconds in dark till emergency electric generators charging the power...North Part of Karj Black Outabout 1 hour ago from webBlack Out: Sari, Tabriz, Isfehan, Rodehen, Saghez, Lavasan...about 1 hour ago from webBassij forces attacked some people in Tehran Now on the roofs in the dark. (not conf)about 1 hour ago from webBlack Out: All Steet Lamps in East Part of Tehran Turned Off!about 1 hour ago from webIt is More than 45 mins, People Still chanting on the roofs all over the city: Death To the Dictator!about 1 hour ago from webBlack Out: East of Tehran, Ahvaz, Khoramshahr, Dezfol, Jahrom...about 1 hour ago from webBlack Out: Khomini Shahr, Shahin Shar, Folad Shahr, Kashan...about 1 hour ago from webBlack Out: Half Part of Rasht went in dark.about 1 hour ago from webmanfredmarz: "This is a new beginning for Iran ... we have entered a new era,.... and the answer was a BLACK OUT... a REAL TIME
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Wow this is awesome!
ReplyDeletevery inspiring and hopeful.
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