Demonstrators organized by several groups, including Reporters Without Borders, denounced the blocking of cell-phone messaging and the Internet by Iranian authorities.

Mercedes Lezcano, president of Women Artists Platform, one of the organizing groups, says, "We have gathered to show our solidarity with the people of Iran."

Protesters carried banners reading, "Where is my vote?" and "For a secular Iran" and "Human rights for Iran."

A woman wearing face scarf carried a banner Friday saying "What we've seen in Iran is not an election, it's a selection" as the crowd began chanting, "We don't want a dictator."