Demonstrators in London, Paris and Istanbul rally in solidarity with Iranian protests, condemning the regime’s deadly crackdown and internet blackout.
LONDON: Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in solidarity with protests in Iran.
The protests in Iran have been met with a deadly crackdown by the country’s security forces.
In London, crowds gathered first outside the Iranian embassy and later near the British prime minister’s residence.
The demonstration grew to several thousand people as the day progressed.
“We want revolution, change the regime,” said Afsi, a 38-year-old Iranian at the Downing Street rally.
Afsi, who has lived in London for seven years, cannot contact her family in Iran due to an internet blackout.
“It’s so frustrating, but it’s not the first time,” she said.
“This time, we have hope… we feel like we can do it (overthrow the government) this time.”
In Paris, more than 2,000 people waved Iran’s pre-1979 flag and chanted “No to the terrorist Islamic Republic”.
Police prevented them from approaching the Iranian embassy.
Some demonstrators yelled, “Close the mullahs’ embassy, the terrorist factory.”
A 20-year-old Iranian student in Paris named Arya said the diaspora was showing support.
“In Iran, the people are rising up in the streets, and we Iranians outside Iran are here to show we are with them,” he said.
He mentioned waiting for guidance from US-based Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah.
Pahlavi has emerged as a potential figurehead for government opponents.
The Iranian protests began over the rising cost of living two weeks ago.
They have since evolved into a broader movement against the theocratic system.
Iranian authorities have labelled the protesters “rioters” backed by the United States and Israel.
In Istanbul, supporters gathered in steady rain outside the Iranian consulate.
Police cordoned off the area and kept the crowd away from the diplomatic mission.
“It’s been 72 hours since we had any news from the country, from our families,” said Nina, a young Iranian in Turkey.
“The regime kills at random… It spares no one,” she added.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights reports at least 192 deaths from the crackdown.
The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran cites “credible” accounts of “hundreds” killed since the internet shutdown.
Britain, France and Germany condemned the “killing of protestors” in Iran on Friday.
US President Donald Trump said Saturday his country stood “ready to help”.
In London, demonstrator Fahimeh Moradi said she was there to support the Iranian people.
“We don’t want the Islamic Republic of Iran, we hate them,” said the 52-year-old.
“My son is there, and I don’t know if he’s alive or not,” she added.