TEHRAN - Faezeh Hashemi, daughter of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, was arrested today in downtown Tehran while "chanting provocative slogans" during an opposition rally and released after several hours. According to opposition websites, police fired tear gas at protesters took to the streets in at least four distinct points of the capital, guarded by a massive deployment of security forces and Basij militia.
The center of the protests was Vali Asr Square, where thousands of people had gathered. Witnesses quoted on the internet have reported that officers in riot gear have fired tear gas against protesters who have fled into neighboring streets but have returned to the square when the smoke has thinned.
The police then blocked access roads to the square. Sites have been circulating in recent days calls from various organizations to express opposition to return today, a week after the death of two young men killed in clashes on February 14. But the authorities have warned that the police would react to any attempt to rally.
Faezeh Hashemi had already been stopped twice in 2009 while taking part in opposition demonstrations against the disputed re-election to the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His brother, Mehdi Hashemi, who has been living in Britain, is accused by conservatives of having had a role in organizing protests two years ago and the judiciary said it would be arrested if he will return to Iran.
Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is one of the most bitter rival of Ahmadinejad, who has not spared criticism after his re-election. 
The center of the protests was Vali Asr Square, where thousands of people had gathered. Witnesses quoted on the internet have reported that officers in riot gear have fired tear gas against protesters who have fled into neighboring streets but have returned to the square when the smoke has thinned.
The police then blocked access roads to the square. Sites have been circulating in recent days calls from various organizations to express opposition to return today, a week after the death of two young men killed in clashes on February 14. But the authorities have warned that the police would react to any attempt to rally.
Faezeh Hashemi had already been stopped twice in 2009 while taking part in opposition demonstrations against the disputed re-election to the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His brother, Mehdi Hashemi, who has been living in Britain, is accused by conservatives of having had a role in organizing protests two years ago and the judiciary said it would be arrested if he will return to Iran.
Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is one of the most bitter rival of Ahmadinejad, who has not spared criticism after his re-election.
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