Berlin hosts massive “Free Iran” rally backing democratic change

Tens of thousands of Iranians and supporters gathered in the German capital on Saturday in what organizers described as one of the largest Iranian demonstrations ever held in Europe, voicing support for democratic change in Iran and solidarity with the nationwide uprising.

The rally began at 1:30 p.m. (CET) near the Brandenburg Gate at Platz des 18. März, drawing a broad crowd from Iranian communities abroad alongside European civil society groups, unions, and political and parliamentary figures.

Speakers highlighted a clear message from the crowd: rejecting all forms of dictatorship under the slogan “No to the Shah, no to the mullahs,” while calling for a democratic, secular republic in Iran.

Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), told the gathering that Iranians are “making the path of change themselves,” insisting that the alternative is organized and ready through a transition roadmap centered on free elections, separation of religion and state, equality between women and men, and a non-nuclear Iran living in peace with the world.

Former European Council President Charles Michel said solidarity with the Iranian people is expanding, describing Iranians inside Iran, in Ashraf 3, and in Berlin as “the resistance of the 21st century.” He stressed that appeasement has failed and that supporting the Iranian people and their organized resistance is the realistic course.

In a recorded video message, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the situation in Iran as “a revolution, not a passing protest,” arguing that repression reflects weakness, not strength, and urging international recognition of Iranians’ right to resist oppression.

German former economy minister Peter Altmaier and former justice minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger also addressed the rally, emphasizing support for democratic change and accountability for human rights abuses.

After the speeches, the crowd moved in a large march through central Berlin, waving flags, holding photos of uprising victims, and chanting for freedom and democratic transition.