DUBAI // Protesters outside the Iranian consulate here were ordered to disperse yesterday, even though the Interior Ministry had earlier granted permission for the demonstrations against the Iranian election results to continue until 7pm yesterday. The Dubai Police and the CID prevented 70 protesters from standing opposite the consulate building yesterday morning. "They had their chance for the last four days," said Capt Ahmad al Mirri, from the national security apparatus of Dubai.
"They have delivered their message to the Iranian government. They are not allowed to protest any more," he said. Capt al Mirri said senior officials had ordered that future protests be stopped. However, this was not enough to stop dozens of men and women gathering last night for a peaceful vigil at the Imam Hussein mosque opposite the Iranian Hospital. Many carried candles and pictures showing recent scenes from Tehran. Police cars patrolled nearby, but there was no disturbance.
The protesters, adorned in their uniform green scarves, medical masks and black shirts, had gathered with their placards, ready for yet another day to voice their anger and frustrations against the situation in Iran. They had protested shortly after marches in Iran had begun, initially in the morning, and later in the evenings. Such protests are rare in the UAE. nsamaha@thenational.ae
