Many participants placed their hopes in the son of the late Shah, Reza Pahlavi, who was a key figure at the rally.
Munich — On Saturday afternoon, a sea of protesters gathered at Munich’s Theresienwiese to denounce the clerical leadership in Iran. The demonstration was part of a “global day of action” called by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, who is attending the security conference as a guest. Speaking to journalists, Pahlavi stated: “Today, thousands of people from Munich to Toronto and Los Angeles have united in response to my call for a global day of action in solidarity with the Iranian people.”
Protesters Demand an End to Clerical Rule in Iran
The demonstration was held under the slogan: “Human Rights and Freedom for Iran. International Solidarity with the Iranian People.” A vast array of green-white-and-red flags featuring the traditional lion and sun emblems waved over the fairgrounds. While organizers from the association The Munich Circle initially expected 100,000 participants, police and news agencies like RFE/RL reported that the crowd grew to as many as 250,000 people.
The crowd repeatedly chanted for the end of the “rule of the mullahs.” Notable among the sea of protesters were flags of the United States and Israel. Many participants expressed support for stronger international intervention, with some openly hoping for a military strike by the US to destabilize the current regime following the bloody crackdown on protesters in Iran in January 2026.
High Hopes for Reza Pahlavi
The rally was heavily characterized by monarchist sentiment, with countless placards celebrating Reza Pahlavi and calling for his return. The Pahlavi dynasty was toppled during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Despite the pro-monarchy chants, Pahlavi himself has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and stated that he does not intend to reclaim the throne.
During the conference, Pahlavi told the press: “The struggle in my country today is not a fight between reform and revolution. It is a struggle between occupation and liberation.” He argued that the survival of the current government sends a signal to “every bully” that mass violence ensures power.
Other prominent speakers at the event included Jewish publicist Michel Friedman and Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the European Parliament for the FDP.
Police Warn of Major Traffic Disruptions
Following the conclusion of the rally around 6:00 PM, police forecasted significant traffic issues around the Theresienwiese area as a quarter of a million people attempted to leave simultaneously. Temporary closures and overcrowding were expected at major transit hubs.
Police recommended that attendees disperse in different directions to manage the flow. Nearby stations within walking distance included:
- U-Bahn: Theresienwiese, Hauptbahnhof, Goetheplatz, Poccistraße, and Schwanthalerhöhe.
- S-Bahn: Hackerbrücke, Hauptbahnhof, and Heimeranplatz.
Source: dpa
Latest Posts
