Intimidation in Iran Keeps Protestors From Rally Current Even #8

To read the full New York Times Article "Intimidation in Iran Keeps Protesters From Rally" click here. On Saturday, May 1st a planned protest that would join workers and reformists in an anti government protest failed to happen because of extensive police presence and widespread intimidation. Some are saying however, that the protest did not fail solely because of the intimidation and police presence, but also because of the possibility that the reformists have not been able to win over the workers and teachers. The intersections that had been filled with protesters this previous summer were filled with police officers in riot gear and helicopters hovered over Azadi Square and Azadi Street, which is the location of the Ministry of Workers. Protesters might have also been scared off by the government's recent execution of two political dissidents. Workers and teachers often demonstrate separate from the reformists and the workers still plan to protest on Saturday while teachers will protest on Teacher's Day on Sunday. Authorities have said that they will put down any protests and even the Supreme Leader has cautioned workers not to become "political leverage for the enemy". This article relates to Comparative Government because the crackdowns on protests by the government shows a lack of civil rights and civil liberties and in turn, brings the legitimacy of the government into question.
**Thank you to the New York times for the picture

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