Large-scale demonstrations in Munich, Toronto and other cities called for increased pressure on Tehran amid disputed death tolls from Iran’s recent unrest.
Around 250,000 people gathered in Munich on Saturday to protest against Iran’s government during a meeting of world leaders in Germany, according to police, responding to a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for stronger international pressure on Tehran.
The demonstration formed part of what
Pahlavi described as a “global day of action” in support of Iranians following last month’s deadly nationwide protests. Police said in a post on X that turnout reached about 250,000, exceeding organisers’ expectations. Pahlavi had also urged people to demonstrate in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Chants for regime change echo through Munich
Protesters beat drums and chanted slogans demanding regime change. Many waved green-white-and-red flags bearing lion and sun emblems, the national flag used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty.
“Change, change, regime change,” the crowd chanted.
At a news conference, Pahlavi warned of further deaths in Iran if “democracies stand by and watch” following the government’s crackdown on protesters last month.
“We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?” he said. He added that the survival of Iran’s government “sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power.”
Many demonstrators carried placards bearing Pahlavi’s image, with some referring to him as a king. The son of Iran’s deposed shah has lived in exile for nearly 50 years and is seeking to position himself as a figure in the country’s future.
The crowd also chanted “Pahlavi for Iran” and “democracy for Iran” as drums and cymbals sounded.
“We have huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully,” said Daniyal Mohtashamian, who travelled from Zurich in Switzerland to represent protesters inside Iran facing repression.
“There is an internet blackout, and their voices are not going outside of Iran,” he said.
Rallies held in Toronto and Nicosia
In Toronto, an estimated 350,000 people marched as part of the Global Day of Action Rally, Toronto Police spokesperson Laura Brabant said.
About 500 protesters also demonstrated outside the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, holding banners criticising Iran’s government and supporting Pahlavi.
At the Munich rally, some demonstrators wore red “Make Iran Great Again” caps, echoing those worn by supporters of US President Donald Trump. Among those wearing the caps was US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, who addressed the crowd and was photographed holding the headwear.
Disputed death tolls after nationwide unrest
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 7,005 people were killed in last month’s protests, including 214 government forces. The group has previously been accurate in documenting deaths during unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists inside the country to verify fatalities.
Iran’s government released its only official death toll on January 21, stating that 3,117 people were killed. Iran’s theocracy has in the past undercounted or not reported fatalities during previous unrest.
The Associated Press said it has been unable to independently verify the death toll, citing disruptions to internet access and international calls imposed by Iranian authorities.
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