Updated #IranElection timeline

Posted by Craig Kanalley on 6/23/09 • Categorized as Elections, Mideast

It’s now Wednesday, June 24 in Iran – 12 days since voting began in a presidential election that continues to captivate the Twitterverse and the world. For the 12th straight day, #IranElection remains a Top 10 Twitter trend.

Here is a recap on what’s happened the last two weeks, beginning two days before the election:

Iran Election Timeline

June 10, Excitement builds for election: Popular enthusiasm for the election is catching even analysts off guard. Tweets reflect this notion and one Twitterer posts a TwitPic of a Tehran rally.

June 11, No SMS in Iran: On the eve of the election, just hours before polls open, the text messaging system throughout Iran goes down, per multiple reports and Twitterers.

June 12, Election Day: Iran votes: Voting is extended by four hours to accommodate the high turnout. Live updates based on tweets are posted through the night, as polls close and election results trickle in. This live blog lasted until the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is announced as official.

June 13, Violence escalates, first deaths reported: Word of escalating violence and the first deaths during protests are reported on Twitter and elsewhere, as demonstrators act out against alleged election fraud. The news coincided with reports that more communication services were blocked throughout Iran, including social networking and news Web sites.

June 14, Clashes at Iranian universities result in serious injuries: Incidents are reported at Tehran University and other universities in Iran of clashes with police and possible raids that result in at least 15 severe injuries.

June 15, More deaths in Tehran after massive demonstration: The largest demonstration yet is reportedly held in Tehran and Twitterers report that at least seven were killed. Various media reports later confirm these deaths.

June 16, Ahmadinejad goes to Russia for summit: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad leaves Iran for Russia, immediately drawing comparisons to the shah’s departure from Iran in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. Twitterers share their views, some quite upset with the move.

June 16, Political pressure builds on Supreme Leader: Pressure is growing behind the scenes on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseyni Khamenei, ultimately in charge of the nation since 1989, as an emergency meeting by senior clerics is reportedly held. One senior cleric denounces the election results.

June 17, Featured TwitPic: ‘Freedom to tweet’ sign at Iran rally in New York: Someone holds this creative sign at a rally in New York City. Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly difficult to verify tweets from Iran, as confirmed Iranian Tweeters are now protecting their status updates for their safety. There are rumors of more protests, but little verified information, especially as foreign media are being banned from attending rallies.

June 18, Ayatollah Khamenei addresses Iran for first time since disputed election: The Supreme Leader says in a closely-monitored speech that the time for demonstrations is over and those who continue to protest will face consequences. Many Iranian Twitterers react negatively to the speech and state they will continue to fight.

June 19, Photos: Protesters gather on global scale in the name of Iran: This collection of TwitPics from around the world shows how many are rallying behind the Iranian people and their pursuit of justice, from the United States to Europe.

June 20, Protesting continues in defiance of Supreme Leader: Protests are held throughout Tehran and elsewhere in the city, and security forces fight back, resulting in at least 10 deaths.

June 20, VIDEO: Gunfire in the streets, chaos in Tehran: This graphic video depicts the chaotic scene on the streets of Tehran, with gunfire heard in the background and a look at a dead body in the street.

June 21, Basij cracks down on protesters, conducts raids in Tehran: Protests are disrupted and people are pushed away on a somber Sunday, the day after “Bloody Saturday.” Raids are also conducted at homes of opposition leaders in the capital city.

June 22, National strike called for Tuesday in Iran: Verified Twitterers in Iran confirm that a national strike has been called for. It is to be held on June 23 throughout the country.

June 23, Iranians vow to head back to the streets: Despite a security clampdown in Tehran and word that the Guardian Council will not allow a re-election, reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi announces plans for another demonstration at Tehran’s main square on June 24. Meanwhile, the national strike is not as successful as some had hoped, but many are calling for it to continue.

Breaking Tweets will continue to post information on developments in Iran that it deems credible.