Thousands Rally in Berlin Against Iran’s Ruling Clerics

Several thousand demonstrators gathered in Berlin on Saturday to demand an end to Iran’s clerical-led government and condemn its violent suppression of recent protests.

Police said around 10,000 people attended a rally at the Brandenburg Gate organised by the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), an exiled Iranian opposition group that Tehran designates as a terrorist organisation.

A separate demonstration, organised by supporters of Reza Pahlavi—the US-based son of Iran’s last shah—drew about 1,600 participants, according to police. Marchers moved along a major avenue, waving pre-revolution Iranian flags alongside those of the United States, Germany and Israel.

The Berlin protests followed unrest inside Iran that began in late December. Initially sparked by economic hardship in the sanctions-hit country, the demonstrations escalated into broader anti-government protests in January.

Security forces responded with a crackdown that human rights groups say resulted in thousands of deaths.

The developments come as Iran holds talks with the United States amid heightened tensions. US President Donald Trump has deployed a naval battle group and is pressing Tehran to halt nuclear enrichment, limit the range of its ballistic missiles, and ease internal repression.