A Twitter Revolution: Following the Protests in Iran

All weekend long I've been checking my Twitter nonstop, not just because I'm admittedly addicted, but because Twitter has become the conduit by which those inside Iran are giving updates about what is happening on the ground, in the most literal sense of the adage. The tweets range from commentary and informal news reports to warnings of possible violence against protesters and organization of demonstrations. It really is incredible to think that the whole idea of "citizen journalism" has been taken to such a place; to see this level of reporting--in such a form, during an event like this--is something that I hope we see written up in a textbook some day.

During the anniversary for the Tiananmen Square protests, I suggested that in the absence of one iconic image, the whole moment probably would have been forgotten in the annals of history. Now, because of new technology, an almost imageless revolt has been given an identity. As communications are suspended in Iran and journalists are becoming police targets, Twitter has become one of the most effective news aggregators to give voice to the protests of this highly-contested election.

I've been following hashtag #iranelection and a private user @iranelection09 for my updates.

Check out this pic I pulled from one of my feeds--very large, it shows the enormity of the protests.

Newest updates:

-Various users are reporting 1-7 people shot in Azadi Square by what some are calling police and others are calling pro-government militias.

-Citizens are reportedly leaving their doors and windows unlocked so demonstrators can hide if need be.

-People are allegedly chanting "Down with the Dictator" and "God is Great" from their balconies.

-Gholamhossein Karbaschi, former mayor of Tehran and reformer, and Mehdi Karroubi, a former Speaker of Parliament and a known reformer, are heading to Tajrish Square tonight to speak

-Reports of plain-clothes snipers being used to deter protesters

-General Strike being called for tomorrow

Perhaps the most we can do here in the States is to keep informed, keep awareness of this struggle in our own spheres of influence...and maybe sport some green or black in solidarity. And of course, keep following the story...via Twitter.

Screen grab from Twitter.com