On Ashura, a day of profound significance for Shia Muslims, thousands gathered in Tehran to protest against the Iranian government in what became one of the most intense clashes between demonstrators and security forces during the 2009 election protests. The unrest carried a charged atmosphere, stemming from widespread dissatisfaction with the results of the disputed presidential election held earlier that year, which many believed was marred by electoral fraud favoring then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As protesters took to the streets to express their grievances, they also sought to honor the memory of Imam Hussein, whose martyrdom is commemorated during Ashura, thereby intertwining their political motives with deep religious sentiments.

Security forces swiftly responded to the protests, deploying tear gas and firing live ammunition into the crowds, which led to numerous injuries and fatalities among the demonstrators. The violence marked a significant escalation in the government's efforts to suppress dissent, indicating a reluctance to tolerate public displays of opposition that had emerged since the June elections. The clashes in Tehran were also echoed in other cities throughout Iran, where protests unfolded in solidarity with the capital's demonstrators, amplifying calls for reform and justice in the Iranian political landscape.

This day of protests symbolized a turning point for the Green Movement, as it highlighted the risks protesters were willing to take in their demands for democratic reforms and accountability from their leaders. The powerful imagery of these clashes was captured by both domestic and international media, drawing global attention to the situation in Iran and marking an era of heightened scrutiny regarding human rights and governmental authority in the country. The Ashura protests illuminated the challenging dynamics between the state and civil society, catalyzing further unrest in the years to follow.