Berlin, Germany – – Tens of thousands of people gathered in Berlin today to demonstrate solidarity with the ongoing uprising in Iran, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1979 revolution. Estimates suggest over 100,000 participants, making it one of the largest demonstrations of its kind in Europe.
The rally, framed around the rejection of both the former Shah’s regime and the current clerical establishment, carries the slogan “No Shah! No Sheikh!” Organizers emphasized a desire for change driven by the Iranian people themselves, articulating the message “No foreign war, no appeasement—regime change by the Iranian people.” This underscores a focus on grassroots movements for political transformation within Iran.
The demonstration’s timing is significant, falling on the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that ousted the Pahlavi dynasty. However, many participants view the 1979 revolution not as a triumph, but as a popular uprising for democracy that was subsequently “betrayed” by the establishment of a theocratic state. This sentiment reflects a widespread disillusionment with the current political and social order in Iran.
A joint statement released by over 350 international groups backing the rally voiced solidarity with the Iranian people and honored those who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. The statement highlights concerns over ongoing repression within Iran and calls for increased international attention to the demands of protesters.
The rally’s supporters champion a set of core democratic principles, including human rights, gender equality, the separation of religion and state, the abolition of the death penalty, and recognition of the rights of ethnic nationalities. These goals are closely aligned with the Ten-Point Plan for a democratic future in Iran, proposed by Iranian opposition figure Maryam Rajavi.
The protests within Iran, which have posed a significant challenge to the country’s theocratic government, have been ongoing since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The current wave of unrest represents a sustained and widespread challenge to the ruling clerical establishment, fueled by economic hardship, social restrictions, and political repression.
The international backing for the Berlin demonstration is broad, spanning Europe, North America, and Australia. Endorsing organizations include parliamentary networks, human rights groups, labor unions, and municipal authorities, demonstrating a diverse coalition of support for the Iranian people’s aspirations.
The scale of the Berlin rally underscores the growing international concern over the situation in Iran. While the Iranian government has consistently portrayed the protests as foreign-backed attempts to destabilize the country, supporters of the uprising maintain that It’s a genuine expression of popular discontent. The rally’s organizers aim to spotlight what they describe as a grassroots movement for political change, independent of external interference.
The demonstration also serves as a platform to advocate for a specific approach to achieving change in Iran. The call for “No foreign war, no appeasement” reflects a desire to avoid external military intervention or concessions to the current regime, instead emphasizing the importance of supporting the Iranian people’s own efforts to bring about political transformation.
The presence of such a large gathering in Berlin, a major European capital, is likely to amplify the voices of Iranian protesters on the international stage. It also puts pressure on governments and international organizations to respond more forcefully to the ongoing human rights abuses and political repression in Iran.
The rally’s focus on rejecting both the Shah’s regime and the current clerical establishment is a deliberate attempt to present a broader vision for Iran’s future, one that transcends the historical divisions that have often characterized Iranian politics. This message is intended to appeal to a wide range of Iranians who are dissatisfied with the status quo, regardless of their political affiliations.
The international community continues to monitor the situation in Iran closely. The outcome of the ongoing protests and the response of the Iranian government will have significant implications for regional stability and international relations. The Berlin rally represents a powerful expression of solidarity with the Iranian people and a call for a democratic future for the country.
