Daijiworld Media Network - Berlin

Berlin, Feb 8: Thousands of people gathered in Berlin on Saturday to express solidarity with Iranians amid nationwide protests in Iran, marking the anniversary of the country’s 1979 anti-monarchy revolution.

The rally was held against the backdrop of ongoing unrest in Iran, where protests that began in December over economic hardships later escalated into political demonstrations. The movement has faced a severe crackdown, described as the most violent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

According to Berlin police, around 8,000 people assembled near the Brandenburg Gate by early afternoon, though nearly 20,000 had officially registered to participate. Organisers, however, claimed a significantly larger turnout, saying adverse weather conditions and flight cancellations prevented many supporters from travelling to the German capital.

Shahin Gobadi, a member of the foreign affairs committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), asserted that the crowd numbered close to 100,000. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also addressed the gathering virtually after being unable to attend in person due to flight disruptions.

Organisers said the event was backed by 344 organisations and political figures, including trade unions, civil society groups and parliamentary friendship associations from across Europe, along with over 300 Iranian associations based in the continent.

Addressing the rally, Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the NCRI, reiterated the opposition’s stance against both foreign intervention and appeasement. She said the Iranian people were seeking regime change through their organised resistance, calling for sovereignty based on the will of the people.