Ex-Iranian Air Force pilot tells military to defend protesters

"A former Iranian Air Force pilot on Thursday urged those in the country’s military to safeguard Iranian citizens and not the interests of the government, as protests turned deadly.
In a video shared by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, Colonel Fereydoun

Ezzedasti said that while he wore a military uniform many years ago, his service never ended.
“A soldier is responsible for safeguarding the life, security and honor of his own nation until his last breath,” Ezzedasti said in the clip. “Today, the noble nation of Iran, weary yet steadfast, has pinned its hopes on you. You have donned this uniform to defend your fellow countrymen; not to suppress them.”
In the 2 1/2-minute clip, Ezzedasti, who served during the Iran-Iraq war, said soldiers must stand alongside the nation, not against it, during sensitive times.
“Instead of aiming weapons at them, be their refuge and support,” he said, as it was reported that protests were spreading across Iran. Videos showed demonstrators gathered in various cities, at times with the sound of gunfire in the background." msn