The Islamic republic is firmly warning against reformists taking to the streets to protest the government as Tehran approaches the 30th anniversary of the Iranian hostage crisis, in which dozens of Americans where held against their will for 444 days.

Still reeling from the massive demonstration that followed the country’s disputed presidential election, Iran on Wednesday will commemorate November 4, 1979, when a group of Islamist students seized the United States Embassy in Tehran, taking 53 hostages and effectively ending diplomatic relations with the US.

The semi-official Iran Student Correspondent Association quoted Iran security forces head Ahmad Reza Radan as saying that while the government will allow the “faithful” to celebrate the anniversary of the embassy seizure, those who “intend to gather illegally and spread lies among people who gather to peacefully participate…will be held responsible for their actions.”

In a massive crackdown after the June 12 election, in which incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the overwhelming winner, the government of Iran arrested more than 1,000 people.

(article and photo source: CNN)