Bloodshed In Iran

June 20. 2009

Video: New Video Shows Clashes in Iran - The Associated Press

Today, most news stations carried blanket coverage of the violence and unrest in Iran, due to the hotly disputed election, giving President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a surprise victory.

The government of Iran threatened citizens yesterday, demanding they stop peaceful protests or face bloodshed. Today was marred in violence and bloodshed, just as the government unfairly promised. Very sad.

Obama urges Iran to stop 'violent and unjust actions'

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President Barack Obama called on Iran's government to stop "violent and unjust" action against its own people, in his sharpest challenge yet to top leader on a day of bloodshed and violence.

Obama issued a written statement stiffening his position on the turmoil, after a week seeking to find the right tone to recognize unprecedented protests in Iran while avoiding being seen to meddle in Iranian affairs.

"We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people," Obama said, as protestors clashed in defiance of an order from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for an end to protests.

"The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost," Obama said.

"The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected, and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights," said Obama.

Obama also referenced his speech to the Muslim world in Cairo earlier this month, when he warned Iran's leaders "suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away."

The president also stressed that if Iran's leadership wants the respect of the international community "it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion." ...

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