{"id":333294,"date":"2025-06-23T20:49:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T19:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=333294"},"modified":"2025-06-23T20:49:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T19:49:25","slug":"iranians-gather-in-berlin-to-call-for-a-free-and-democratic-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-resistance\/iranians-gather-in-berlin-to-call-for-a-free-and-democratic-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"Iranians Gather in Berlin to Call for a Free and Democratic Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Thousands
Thousands of supporters of the Iranian Resistance gathered in Berlin, Germany, on June 21, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On June 21, 2025, thousands of Iranians from across Europe joined together in Berlin for the \u201cMarch to Freedom 2025,\u201d 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\u2014where half a million people, organized by the People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK), peacefully protested the Khomeini regime\u2019s oppression, only to face deadly violence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a> (IRGC)\u2014this 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.<\/p>\n

A Gathering of Many Voices<\/h2>\n

The Berlin rally reflected Iran\u2019s diverse society, with people of all ages, ethnicities, and faiths standing together. Kurds, Baluchis, Azerbaijanis, and others from the Iranian diaspora showcased the country\u2019s rich cultural and religious diversity. Families, students, and workers waved Iran\u2019s tricolor flags with the Lion and Sun emblem, held up yellow banners with slogans like \u201cThe main war is the struggle of the Iranian people and Resistance against the Velayat-e Faqih and religious dictatorship\u201d and \u201cThe solution to war and crisis is regime change by the people and Resistance of Iran,\u201d and carried signs reading, \u201cDown with the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Supreme Leader.\u201d These symbols expressed their shared wish for a future where all are equal, free from tyranny.<\/p>\n

Maryam Rajavi\u2019s Message of Unity<\/h2>\n

The demonstrators found inspiration in Maryam Rajavi<\/a>, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), who spoke of a clear path forward: \u201cThe Iranian people\u2019s resistance for freedom must be recognized. We say no to appeasement and saving the mullahs\u2019 regime, and no to war.\u201d She emphasized, \u201cDemocratic change is the desire of the Iranian people.\u201d Rajavi described a 44-year struggle: \u201cToday, 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 \u2014 the battle between the Iranian people and the religious dictatorship of the Velayat-e Faqih.\u201d Her words gave the crowd purpose, seeking not power but a chance to live in a country where people\u2019s voices matter, rooted in a \u201cThird Option\u201d of change led by Iranians themselves.<\/p>\n

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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<\/a><\/p>\n

— Lord (David) Alton (@DavidAltonHL) June 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n