By looking at the videos and photos of the July 30 protests (40 day anniversary of Neda Aghasoltan and other martyr’s deaths) one sees a shift in the tactics of Iran’s security forces. While there are two videos of police firing tear gas into the crowds, there seems to be no gunshots. There has not been any new video of police violently ganging up on protester and violently and senselessly beating them. The plain clothed thugs with big sticks have also been absent in the recent videos and photos.
It appears that the outcry against the use of excessive force has had an effect and the government has tried hard not to give the green movement any new martyrs. While the security forces have been out in force, and have charged the crowds and used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, they appear to have been far more restrained in their response. The government is pressing with instilling fear into the hearts of the protesters but has refined its tactics to make sure that fear does not turn into rage.
HADI SEDAGHAT 