According to police statistics, about 10,000 people gathered in central Berlin on Saturday to call for democracy in Iran and to express solidarity with protesters there.
The rally, under the banner of “Iran Freedom”, was organized by the Iranian Exile Association in Berlin and other groups. About 340 international organizations and politicians supported the protests.
The demonstration was promoted on social media through flyers and large advertisements in several newspapers.
Police reported that the demonstration was peaceful and said about 380 officers were responsible for maintaining the event.
Organizers said many at the rally had relatives killed or arrested during recent protests in Iran.
Many participants waved Iranian flags. Some held up photos of Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NWRI), a banned group in Iran. Some wore yellow vests that read “Free Iran.”
Rajavi personally addressed the Berlin demonstrators.
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was scheduled to appear live via video. Other speakers included the Federal Chancellor, former Chancellor Peter Altmaier and the former Justice Minister Sabine Leissesser-Schnarenberg.
Iran’s latest protests were initially triggered by a currency crisis in late December. The rally then turned into a political protest against the political system. The authorities responded with a violent crackdown. Iranian human rights groups say more than 3,400 people have died, but the exact number is difficult to verify due to an information blockade.
Demonstrators against the government in Tehran carried posters and banners at the Brandenburg Gate to express solidarity with Iran’s popular uprising. Ole Rockroll/dpa
