"Death to the Islamic Republic", "Long live the Shah": anti-government slogans chanted in Iran after gatherings abroad
Iranian citizens have chanted anti-government slogans from their homes following protests organized by Iranians abroad.
In Tehran, residents expressed their discontent with the Iranian regime by chanting slogans against the government from their windows and rooftops. These actions were sparked by large-scale demonstrations organized by expatriates in support of ongoing protests against the Islamic Republic. The protests, which have been fueled by discontent over political repression and economic issues, reflect a continuity of resistance against the authorities since the significant unrest earlier this year.
The backdrop to these demonstrations is a turbulent period in Iran marked by extensive protests against the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which were violently suppressed, leading to thousands of reported fatalities. Despite the repression that followed the initial mass protests in December and January, the spirit of defiance remains evident. Although street demonstrations have declined due to severe crackdowns, the chanted slogans signify an indomitable spirit among the populace, yearning for change and expressing solidarity with their compatriots abroad.
The political context of this resistance is intensified by the symbolic call from the son of the former Shah of Iran, which evokes historical sentiments tied to the country's monarchy. The ongoing public expressions against the regime amidst increasing economic hardship signal not only a local pushback against authority but show a rising tide of dissent that could have significant implications for Iran's political landscape and future, as captured in the public's cries for a different governance structure.