Latest From Iran: Recount Rebuffed, Demonstrations Called Off

Robert Fisk in Tehran: "It was Iran's day of destiny and day of courage. A million of its people marched from Engelob Square to Azadi Square – from the Square of Revolution to the Square of Freedom – beneath the eyes of Tehran's brutal riot police. The crowds were singing and shouting and laughing and abusing their "President" as "dust".

Here are the very latest developments from Iran (most recent at the top):

• Haaretz is reporting 20 people killed in rallies across Iran today.

• Fascinating words from Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, who denounces "shocking violence" against Mousavi's followers: "A government that doesn't respect the people's vote has neither political nor religious legitimacy," Montazeri said in a statement, adding that "no one can trust, in good conscience," the election results. Why does Montazeri matters more than your garden-variety ayatollah? Because in the 1980s, Montazeri had been one of Ayatollah Khomeini's closest advisers and the man initially picked by the old imam to succeed him. What demolished Montazeri's accession was his persistent and loud opposition to Khomeini's brutalities against dissidents. In other words Montazeri's good conscience is genuine, not fair-weathered.

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declares himself in favor of a partial recount, according to state television.

• Mir Hossein Mousavi, the opposition leader contesting Sunday's fraudulent vote, is calling on his supporters not to demonstrate today. The reason: A pro-Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rally is planned. Mousavi wants to avoid the possibility of clashes and "the loss of human lives." Still, by mid-afternoon, Mousavi followers were seen gathering in Northern Tehran.

• Foreign reporters have been banned from covering demonstrations carried out by Mousavi and his supporters. The ban presumably does not apply to pro-Ahmadinejad demonstrations.

• Ahmadinejad, supposedly in a show of confidence, left Iran for (very brief) meetings in Russia. He's back in Iran now.

• The 12-member Council of Guardians, half of whose membership is appointed by Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader (and Ahmadinejad sponsored) agreed to carry out a partial recount. The opposition rejected the recount idea, demanding a new election. State television reported that the Council will not annul the election.

• Obama is not getting involved. "It is up to Iranians to decide who their leaders may be," he said on Monday. "We respect Iranian sovereignty."

• Boingboing releases a "Cyberwar guide for Iran elections."

See Also:

• Real Protests, Fake Inquiry, Enduring Fraud
• Fear and Loathing in Tehran
• The Meaning of Ahmadinejad's Victory
• What's a "Supreme Leader"?
• Who Rules Iran and How? A Primer