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Death of an innocent bystander turning point for Iranian protestors

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Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00a.m.

Every day that passes and turns to protest makes the divisions between the opposition and the Government even harder to bridge

Every day that passes and turns to protest makes the divisions between the opposition and the Government even harder to bridge

An uneasy calm hangs over Tehran tonight, but it is an enforced peace and there are increasing signs that the violence is far from over.

The blogosphere is humming with new images showing a teenage girl dying after being shot by Iranian security forces.

Her death appears to be a turning point for protestors.

Footage captured on a mobile phone shows the moments after the16 year old girl was shot by security forces.

She died soon after.

The girl, whose name is Nadir seems to have become a symbol of the struggle.

Unarmed - and according to the demonstrators - an innocent observer, her death appears to have been a turning point for protestors.

It now seems there is no going back.

Every day that passes and turns to protest makes the divisions between the opposition and the Government even harder to bridge.

Iranian authorities are now blaming ‘terrorists’ for the clashes.

“We are hearing that 13 people have been killed in clashes with the police, with terrorist groups in Tehran,” state television said today.

Calling those who have taken to the streets terrorists is seen as paving the way for an even stronger crackdown by authorities.

Tonight in a statement Moussavi - the defeated candidate - urged his supporters to continue their protests - but to show restraint.

He criticised mass arrests.

Confirmation that a woman - daughter of the former President Rafsanjani - was taken into custody along with four members of her family - is raising the political temperature further.

Anger is fast turning to hatred - neither side wants to back down and many say a violent conclusion now looks inevitable.

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