Remembering Neda

In Shia Islam the 40th day after someone dies is a significant day of mourning. Today was the 40th day since 26 year old Neda Soltan was shot down during the early days of pro-democracy protests in Iran. In commemoration thousands took to the streets today in Tehran and other cities. The movement for greater freedom in Iran is alive and kicking. There's also the dismaying and familiar reports of peaceful protestors being set upon by goons wielding clubs, knives and worse.

Here's some footage of a silent vigil in Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran.




Seeing Isfahan in the news reminded me of the lovely Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn composition of the same name. Here's the Duke Ellington Orchestra featuring the incomparable alto sax of Johnny Hodges. Doesn't have anything to do with the current events, but still seems appropriate.