Thousands Clash with Islamic Extremists and Police in Iran

On Wednesday, on the anniversary of student protests in Tehran, thousands of democracy supporters engaged in street battles with Islamic extremists and police. Witnesses report that police fired tear gas near Tehran University and clashed with members of the Ansar Hezbollah and affiliated pressure groups to prevent them from attacking students. The clashes began a few hours after armed plainclothes individuals arrested three active students. Protests were also reported in Isfahan. Meanwhile, in Washington, hundreds of Iranians gathered on the lawn in front of the Capitol to show their support for the pro-democracy movement in Iran. Senator Sam Brownback was among the speakers who condemned the unelected religious government of the Islamic Republic for its repression of the people. The U.S. Senate also passed two bills that expand radio and television programs funded by the public treasury. The bill known as the 'Iran Democracy Act' stipulates that a referendum supervised by international authorities should be held so that the people of Iran can peacefully choose their desired system. (In further reports) the latest reports indicate that Wednesday's protests were smaller than previously mentioned. Reports from Tehran suggest that a heavy police presence deterred many people from attempting to reach Tehran University. The Iranian Students' News Agency quoted a security official saying that the protests were limited and only a few were arrested.