Around 200,000 people demonstrated in Munich against the Iranian regime, showing solidarity with the Iranian people. Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, gave a speech calling for a democratic future. The event took place during the Munich Security Conference.
The demonstration in Munich drew twice as many participants as expected: According to police, around 200,000 people attended, though organizer The Munich Circle had anticipated 100,000. Many exile Iranians from Germany and other countries took part and cheered Reza Pahlavi, the 65-year-old son of the Shah ousted in 1979, enthusiastically.
Pahlavi stated: “We fight for freedom, for justice, and for equality.” He emphasized wanting to lead Iran into a democratic future with free elections and said: “We are not alone.” To journalists, he spoke of a global action day: “Today, thousands of people from Munich to Toronto to Los Angeles stand in the framework of my call for a global action day in solidarity with the Iranian people.” He pointed to the oppression and called Iran's fate a “decisive test for global security.” Pahlavi noted that the Islamic Republic has exported instability and advanced nuclear ambitions for nearly half a century. He described it as a fight “between occupation and liberation” and claimed the leadership has massacred over 40,000 of its own citizens. Activists cite at least 7,000 deaths in the recent protests.
Publicist Michel Friedman accused the Iranian regime of “misusing Islam, the Koran.” For 47 years, millions have been suppressed, he said. Friedman called for isolating the rulers, ending trade relations, and no nuclear weapons for Iran: “A regime that stands for terrorism must be overthrown.”
Shortly before the start, an announcement urged caution with slogans. Instead of “Death to the three corrupt – the mullahs, the leftists, the mujahideen,” participants should chant “Shame on the three corrupt” to avoid dissolution by police. The debate over this slogan is controversial in the diaspora.
The timing during the Munich Security Conference, expecting over 60 heads of state and government as well as 100 foreign and defense ministers, was chosen deliberately to reach decision-makers. Organizers announced over 15 additional gatherings for the weekend.
