With independent media coverage of Iranian protests restricted byauthorities, witnesses are reaching out online and by telephone toreport what they see on the streets of Tehran.
Opposition Websites said protesters had planned to gather Saturday in Revolution(Enghelab) and Freedom (Azadi) Squares, two of Tehran's main areas.
Butwitnesses told VOA Persian News Network and other news agencies theysaw large numbers of police gathered in the streets, blocking thedemonstrators.
Near Freedom Square, the witnesses say policeclashed with thousands of protesters, arresting some and using teargas, batons and water cannons on others.
Some witnesses alsosaid they heard gunshots, but it is unclear who fired the shots. Atleast three helicopters were hovering over the area.
At other places in the capital, witnesses say protesters attacked authorities, setting some of their motorcycles on fire.
Newsagencies are relying heavily on information published by Iraniancitizens through social media services, such as Twitter, Facebook andYouTube.
On Friday, Facebook announced it is making its Web siteavailable in Farsi, so Iranians can use the service in their nativelanguage.
Google also introduced a new Farsi translating tool.