According to one circular passed around on the Internet, demonstrations are planned in more than 200 Iranian cities and towns around the country. Detailed maps of gathering points and meeting places have been circulating for days, even though opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi has called for an end to public protests.Tehran police chief Gen. Esmail Ahmadi-Moqaddam vowed Wednesday in a statement broadcast on state television that his forces would confront any demonstration, and some officials warned that the Revolutionary Guard would be deployed to back anti-riot police and pro-government Basiji militiamen.But many in Iran say they will go ahead with the demonstrations anyway.”A virtual campaign is in full force, and nobody is able to keep it in check,” said one announcement, advising protesters to carry no weapon heavier than a rose.”I’m going to go because it’s important to keep on resisting,” said one 29-year-old woman in Tehran, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s a gesture of hope.”Farzad, a 28-year-old unemployed engineer in Tehran, said he and scores of friends were determined to take to the streets. He will bring a vinegar-soaked rag to ward off the effects of tear gas and said he is ready to be beaten, chased or even jailed for a couple weeks.”I am a mountaineer and fit to run fast in case I am chased by the militias or anti-riot police,” said Farzad, who spoke on condition his last name not be published. “The aut… >>>
