Police and security forces were visible in concentrations at major intersections in large numbers to deter any demonstrations.
There were reports of groups chanting “Death to the Dictator!” in Takht-e Tavoos Avenue in central Tehran. In Azadi, Vali Asr and Vanak Squares, people were also heard chanting slogans.
On Monday night, the authorities turned the social media on the protest movement, sending out text messages saying: “Dear citizen, if you access anti-revolutionary networks [on the Internet] or attend any illegal gathering, you will be prosecuted according to Articles 489, 500 and 508 of the Islamic penal code.”
Anti-riot police and equipment were deployed in large numbers along the proposed route of the protest, and all businesses along Azadi Avenue were warned to close their stores in case of any disturbance.
Foreign reporters in Tehran have been banned for two years from going out on the streets to cover protests. They rely on reports telephoned to them by citizens, but are unable to check the accuracy of such reports.
The Tuesday protests were called on the occasion of the first anniversary of the last serious protests in Tehran as well as the first anniversary of the house arrests of the movement’s leaders. But the call for the turnout Tuesday cited current economic conditions as the motivation for the protest.
Last year’s demonstration on February 14 led to two deaths and widespread arrests, and the authorities made clear they were completely prepared to quash any attempt at a public assembly Tuesday.