Exclusive Tehran Account: Rejoicing Rafsanjani's Daughter's Release

AP Photo In his second online chat with young Tehran photojournalist and Mousavi supporter "NS," Parvez Sharma witnesses Iran media breaking news on the release of former Iran President Rafsanjani’s daughter. NS, whose name has been omitted for safety reasons, details another brutal attack on a loved one during a protest—a male photographer attacked with large Ghameh knife, a weapon traditionally used during the Shia mourning ritual of Muharram. NS also finds a video with the title “Basiji beats 7 year old boy Tehran Iran” but can’t watch it—her access to YouTube is blocked.

Sharma and NS chat from 10:10 p.m. Tehran time (during the chat, news of the prison release is announced on BBC Persian) and NS points out that the nightly rooftop chants of "Allahu akbar" are going on with the same intensity throughout their online chat. This, to both NS and Sharma, is a sign that the opposition has not given up.

NS: hello

Me (Parvez Sharma): so u are there after all!

NS: yes just got on the computer
how are you?

Me: I am ok—its more about you.

NS: alah o akbar just started
im ok thanks
a bit down

Me: Why are you down?

NS: a photographer, a friend of mine
was attacked with some kind of knife
a large kind of knife called "GHAMEH"

Me: I know the Ghameh

NS: the ones they use during MOHARAM
yes
he is alive
thank god

Me: Where did this attack happen and who attacked him?

NS: but he was attacked in the face last night
the animals they released in the streets of tehran

Me: Please share more. Where did the attack happen? Who is on the streets

NS: alah o akbar is very loud and strong
well as far as I know last night
but I dont know by who exactly
i guess by the one who are not in uniform
the so-called "LEBASS SHAKHSSI"

Me: So he was attacked by the Basij?

NS: I assume
he was shooting in the streets last night
and that happened

Me: What do you know about today?

NS: today i went out
there were guards and police everywhere
nothing special
there were some small movements around the city
but nothing big or major
as far as i was told

Me: Where is Mousavi?

NS: we just received some news
but not confirmed that he was arrested

Me: Do people know that Rafsanjani's daughter has been arrested?

NS: yes it was on state tv and local papers

Me: That Rafsanjani’s family is being arrested?

NS: everyone knows yes

Me: That means they are cracking down hard?

NS: yes

Me: Has anyone heard from Mousavi?

NS: but the security is strong
no no one
as far as i know..

Me: What is planned tomorrow?

NS: nothing that i know
nothing is planned as a big thing

Me: What can you see on TV my dear?

NS: we just heard that FAEZEH HASHEMI is released
the daughter
I dont have TV
sorry..