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In Iran's parliament last week there were dramatic words about the country facing a pivotal moment. Reformist MPs have been holding a sit-in to protest a ban against more than 3000 moderate candidates hoping to run in next month’s elections. If the ban is not lifted, the MPs warned hopes for building in democracy would die.
But, in a strange contrast, outside on Tehran’s streets there was no drama. Despite threats from MPs, cabinet ministers and provincial governors to resign, no crowds massed outside the parliament’s gates. Why? Because university students were not ready to brave police beatings on behalf of the MPs.
