BBC in Tehran as Iran marks 47th anniversary of Islamic revolution

Authorities in Iran have put on a show of strength to mark the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, weeks after they used unprecedented force to put down anti-government protests.

The BBC is visiting Tehran for the first time since the crackdown, during which at least 6,490 protesters were killed across the country, according to human rights activists.

The BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet says the bunting lining the capital’s streets and large crowds of government supporters embody the image of the nation the government wants to see on the streets: Iranians coming out to show their support for the Islamic Republic and the revolution.

Our correspondent is reporting from Tehran on condition that none of her material is used on the BBC’s Persian Service. These restrictions apply to all international media organisations operating in Iran.