Munich: around 200,000 protesters against Iranian authorities
Around 200,000 people demonstrated in Munich against the Iranian authorities during a global security conference attended by world leaders.
On Saturday afternoon, Munich witnessed a significant protest against the Iranian authorities, with approximately 200,000 participants according to police reports. This demonstration coincided with the Munich Security Conference (MSC), which gathers numerous heads of state and government, providing a global platform for the protesters. The demonstrators called for the downfall of the Iranian regime, echoing sentiments following a series of brutal crackdowns on anti-government protests that began in late December.
The protest was characterized by a peaceful march towards Theresienwiese, a large open space in the city, where the crowd displayed banners and flags symbolizing Iranian nationalism. The protesters' demands stemmed from recent government actions that many view as oppressive, particularly in light of the violent responses to public dissent in Iran. The week prior, an estimated 10,000 people had already gathered in Berlin to express similar grievances, demonstrating a growing movement against the Iranian authorities across Europe.
The implications of this protest are significant not only for Iranian politics but also for international relations. The presence of world leaders at the MSC underscores the urgency of addressing human rights issues in Iran. Protesters aim to bring international attention to their plight and to rally support for actions against the Iranian regime, potentially influencing foreign policy discussions in the wake of continuing unrest within the country and the diaspora's efforts to amplify their voices on global platforms.