In recent years, Al-Qods ("Jerusalem") Day has been used by the Iranian regime as a means of publically projecting its power. This year however, the event turned into a widespread demonstration of popular discontent.
In his Al-Qods sermon at Friday prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami called on the judiciary to "punish leading rioters firmly and without showing any mercy to teach everyone a lesson". He said those leaders were backed by the United States and Israel. In a clear warning to all other dissenters, he declared: "Anybody who fights against the Islamic system or the leader of Islamic society, fight him until complete destruction. People, who wage war against God, deserve execution".
The slogans shouted by the crowds reflect the deep fault-lines growing in Iranian society. While the baseeji intone 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' the audience answer 'Down with Russia'. The baseeji shouts of 'Death to the anti-Supreme Leader' are answered by those 'Death to the Dictator'
The placards held by the green movement supporter says 'The Oil money is missing; it has been spent on Palestine".
Outside the state broadcasting, people shout "State Broadcasting is a dishonour".
"Not Gaza, not Lebanon. I die only for Iran," protesters have reportedly chanted in significant numbers across Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz and other major cities across Iran.
An image going around the Internet shows a protester holding a poster of the iconic Palestinian caricature Handala wearing a long green scarf with the words "Palestine is right here."
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After supporters of Iran's opposition movement marched on the Qods Day commemorative rally, police say several arrests have been made.
Despite official orders to avoid illegal gatherings, supporters of leading opposition figures Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi used the opportunity given by Al-Qods Day to take to the streets on Friday.
The demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Mousavi and Karroubi, who were present in person among the crowd.
"Police arrested them before they could set fire to motorbikes or cause damage to public property," said an official, without giving any number for those arrested.
Internet users have linked to websites that inform protesters how to treat wounds and conduct first aid. Protesters themselves have sometimes obscured their faces to avoid later problems of being tracked down by security forces who have reportedly taunted and threatened families even after the protests through studying images taken at the rallies.
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