Reza Pahlavi declared 14 February as a "Global day of action" "in solidarity with the Lion and Sun Revolution of Iran." On this date, rallies took place in various cities worldwide, including Munich, Toronto, and Los Angeles, where over a million people took to the streets in support of the protests inside Iran and to unite Iranians abroad.[1][2] Pahlavi urged Iranians living abroad to participate in order to convey the message of the Iranian people and increase global pressure on the Islamic Republic.[3][4] Protesters within Iran responded to Pahlavi's calls to chant anti-government slogans from rooftops and windows during the rallies abroad.[5]
Participants in these marches chanted slogans and waved Lion and Sun flags, calling for the end of repression in Iran and international support for the people's demands for freedom and change.[1] 250,000 people attended the 14 February rally in Munich, making it the largest Iran-focused demonstration in European history, while the Toronto and Los Angeles rallies each drew 350,000 in attendance.[1][6] The 14 February rally in London also drew 50,000, and the rally in Vancouver drew 45,000.[7] Iranian state media downplayed the diaspora rallies, while many Iranians within Iran stated the diaspora rallies gave them a renewed sense of hope.[7]
Background
The World Day of Action in Solidarity with the Lion and Sun Revolution of Iran was part of the ongoing wave of nationwide protests inside and outside Iran and the violent suppression of protesters.[4][8] Two weeks earlier, Reza Pahlavi issued a call declaring February 14 as "World Day of Action in Solidarity with the Lion and Sun Revolution of Iran" and urged Iranians abroad and freedom supporters worldwide to gather in practical support of the Iranian people to pressure the global community. He outlined six demands for the rallies, including dismantling the repression apparatus, cutting off the regime's financial resources, freedom of the internet, release of political prisoners, and preparation for the recognition of a transitional government. He named the cities of Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto as the primary locations for these events.[9][4]
This rally occurred just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that regime change in Iran would be the best outcome for a country grappling with deadly unrest.[10][11]
Rallies worldwide
Canada
Following Reza Pahlavi's call, thousands of Iranians residing in Canada gathered in Toronto on February 14 to express their support for the protesters inside Iran. In addition to residents of Toronto, people from other Canadian cities and some U.S. states also attended the rally. According to Toronto police, over 350,000 people participated in the Toronto march.[12][13][14] The participants waved Lion and Sun flags and Canadian flags and chanted slogans against the Islamic Republic and in support of Reza Pahlavi, calling for regime change and action from the U.S. government. At the end of the event, figures like Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, and Michael Parisa expressed solidarity with the Iranian protesters in their speeches. Doug Ford emphasized Canada's support for the Iranian people and stated that the regime must go and will fall.[12]
In Vancouver, approximately 45,000 people gathered at David Lam Park and chanted slogans against the Islamic Republic's leadership, demanding regime change and an end to the violent suppression of protesters inside the country.[15][16]
Germany
On the same day as the Munich Security Conference, about 250,000 people, according to the city's police, gathered in Munich on February 14 to protest against the Islamic Republic. This rally included slogans in support of human rights, freedom for Iran, and international solidarity. Reza Pahlavi repeatedly emphasized his commitment to democracy and stated that he had no intention of returning to the throne. On the sidelines of the conference, he stressed that the issue of Iran is not merely an internal matter, but a test for global security.[17]
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham also attended the Munich rally, holding a Lion and Sun flag and telling the crowd, "The people of Iran are making history, and this is the most magnificent moment in Iranian history," while stressing that he would help the Iranian people rid themselves of the Islamic Republic.[18]
Australia
Thousands gathered in various cities across Australia on the World Day of Action in Solidarity with anti-government protesters in Iran. In Sydney, protesters gathered at Hyde Park and then marched to Belmore Park near Central Station. In Melbourne, about 1,000 people gathered in front of the Victorian Parliament and chanted slogans in support of freedom and democracy in Iran. In Hobart, organizers distributed flowers and QR codes, urging people to sign a petition for the cancellation of Australia's recognition of the Islamic Republic.[19]
Tim Wilson spoke to the protesters and said Australia must stand with the people of Iran. He described the movement as "a movement of love" and emphasized that the Iranian government must be stopped for the benefit of both Iran and the world. Participants called on the Australian government to revoke its official recognition of the Islamic Republic and support Iran's transition to a secular democracy. In Brisbane, despite the rain, thousands gathered in the city center and observed a minute of silence in memory of those who had lost their lives.[19]
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