On June 21, 2025, thousands of Iranians from across Europe joined together in Berlin for the “March to Freedom 2025,” a heartfelt gathering to demand freedom and democracy for Iran. Held one day after the 44th anniversary of the June 20, 1981, demonstration in Tehran—where half a million people, organized by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), peacefully protested the Khomeini regime’s oppression, only to face deadly violence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—this rally was organized by a coalition of democratic groups opposed to both monarchy and theocratic rule, united in their hope for an Iran free from dictatorship.
A Gathering of Many Voices
The Berlin rally reflected Iran’s diverse society, with people of all ages, ethnicities, and faiths standing together. Kurds, Baluchis, Azerbaijanis, and others from the Iranian diaspora showcased the country’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Families, students, and workers waved Iran’s tricolor flags with the Lion and Sun emblem, held up yellow banners with slogans like “The main war is the struggle of the Iranian people and Resistance against the Velayat-e Faqih and religious dictatorship” and “The solution to war and crisis is regime change by the people and Resistance of Iran,” and carried signs reading, “Down with the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader.” These symbols expressed their shared wish for a future where all are equal, free from tyranny.
Maryam Rajavi’s Message of Unity
The demonstrators found inspiration in Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), who spoke of a clear path forward: “The Iranian people’s resistance for freedom must be recognized. We say no to appeasement and saving the mullahs’ regime, and no to war.” She emphasized, “Democratic change is the desire of the Iranian people.” Rajavi described a 44-year struggle: “Today, we are on the verge of a major change. Not a change that comes by itself or without cost, but a change through organized resistance. With maximum sacrifice in the real battle — the battle between the Iranian people and the religious dictatorship of the Velayat-e Faqih.” Her words gave the crowd purpose, seeking not power but a chance to live in a country where people’s voices matter, rooted in a “Third Option” of change led by Iranians themselves.
Long suffering Iranians deserve freedom,peace,justice democracy:an end to evil oppression. Only when they overthrow a dictatorship which terrorises its own people; threatens a neighbour with annihilation; & uses nuclear blackmail,will there be Middle East peace.Change must come. pic.twitter.com/rzxaUzh5Rj
— Lord (David) Alton (@DavidAltonHL) June 22, 2025
Standing with Iran’s Resistance Units
The rally showed strong support for the Resistance Units, young Iranians tied to the PMOI/MEK who organize protests and spread messages of hope across Iran, from Shiraz to Tabriz. These activists risk everything to challenge the regime’s control. Demonstrators in Berlin expressed admiration, holding signs to stand with them. One speaker said, “These young people are our hope. They remind us that change starts with ordinary people who refuse to give up.” The crowd condemned the unprecedented surge in executions, with at least 1,400 people, including political prisoners, women, and juveniles, executed since July 2024 under Masoud Pezeshkian, 176 in May 2025 alone, and voiced solidarity with the Resistance Units driving uprisings inside Iran against this repression.
Voices of Support
Speakers from delegations of youth, women, athletes, families of martyrs, and refugees shared their support for Iran’s fight. Leo Dautzenberg, former German parliamentarian, said, “History teaches us that no legitimate, democratic future can be imposed from above.” Gary Horkan, Irish parliamentarian, noted, “What the regime fears most is not protest alone. It is an organized, democratic alternative.” Gerard Craughwell, Irish senator, declared, “The regime is not the victim. It is the aggressor.” These voices, joined by German and European lawmakers, underscored global support for Iran’s cause.
Message to the Iranians’ Rally in Stockholm on the Anniversary of June 20, 1981, the Beginning of the Iranian Resistance
Indeed, change and revolution are not forces that can be stopped.
Freedom, the right to vote, and free elections have been strong demands of the Iranian people… pic.twitter.com/NRdUXBSWcs— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 22, 2025
What the Demonstrators Want
The demonstrators had three clear requests:
- Stop Supporting the Regime: They urged European governments to end deals that sustain Tehran’s theocracy. Rajavi warned, “The policy of appeasement emboldens the mullahs’ regime and imposes war on Western countries.” They sought recognition of the harm caused by ignoring Iran’s suffering.
- Call the IRGC a Terrorist Group: They demanded the European Union label the IRGC a terrorist organization, citing its role in the 1981 massacre and ongoing repression.
- Address the Nuclear Threat: They called for stronger action to stop Iran’s nuclear program, with Rajavi noting, “Khamenei will never give up the nuclear bomb… because he believes any retreat is the shortest path to the fall of his regime.” These requests reflected concern for peace and justice.
A Plan for a Better Iran
The rally focused on Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan for a democratic, non-nuclear republic with universal suffrage, gender equality, ethnic and religious pluralism, judicial independence, and no death penalty, promising peace with neighbors. Rajavi said, “We have risen up to overthrow the regime and to establish a democratic, non-nuclear republic.” Endorsed by over 4,000 lawmakers and 137 former world leaders, this plan gave the crowd hope for an inclusive Iran, as students and exiles alike saw it as a roadmap for their diverse nation.
Today Thousands of #Iranian s took part in demonstrations in Berlin & Stockholm,
to support @Maryam_Rajavi's Third Option for regime change in #Iran by the people of #Iran & their organized Resistance movement #NCRI/PMOI &
To establish a Free, Democratic Republic, with… https://t.co/CCrc7kYfR7 pic.twitter.com/xGyRZWd0ML— Dowlat Nowrouzi (@DowlatNowrouzi) June 21, 2025
A Call for Support
The Berlin gathering was a plea for the world to hear Iran’s people, seeking not intervention but recognition of their right to choose their future. The NCRI, Rajavi emphasized, is a 44-year movement, not imposed externally: “Not a change that comes by itself or without cost, but a change through organized resistance.” Like rallies in Paris (February 8, 2025) and Munich (February 14, 2025), Berlin’s message was clear: “The people of Iran deserve freedom, justice, and democracy.” The diverse crowd—youth, elders, and diaspora—showed this is a shared fight for a better tomorrow.
Looking Forward
As the sun set over Berlin, Lion and Sun flags waved alongside yellow banners, and the chant “Down with the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader” echoed. The demonstrators left with quiet determination, knowing their work continues but feeling stronger together. Their simple message: Iran can be free, and its people are ready to make it happen.