A dramatic scene unfolded outside Iran's Embassy in London on Friday as a protester scaled the balcony, tore down the Islamic Republic's flag, and replaced it with the historic "Lion and Sun" emblem associated with Iran's monarchy prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The stunt was witnessed by a large crowd of anti-regime protesters, who cheered on the demonstrator.
The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly, making two arrests - one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass. Another individual is also being sought in connection with the incident.
Iran's Embassy in London declined to comment on the matter, while President Trump warned the regime that the US would protect protesters if necessary. The Iranian government has faced its most significant wave of unrest in years, with widespread demonstrations calling for an end to clerical leadership and economic grievances driving the protests.
The contrast between this year's unrest and Iran's 2009 Green Movement is striking, according to British-Iranian journalist Potkin Azarmehr. "What a contrast to Obama's time, when protesters were chanting 'Obama, are you with us or with them?'", he noted. The current situation highlights the importance of international support for protesters.
Global attention matters to those on the ground, but Western activist groups have been noticeably absent from protests. "Where are the Western activist elite protesters? Why are they not protesting? Are they on the side of the ayatollahs?" Azarmehr asked.
Demonstrations began on December 28 over economic grievances and have since spread nationwide, posing a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership. Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have emerged in other major European cities, including Paris and Berlin. A protest also took place outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
At least 72 people have been killed and more than 2,300 detained in Iran-based protests, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Some protests have included chants supporting Iran's former monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who died in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi, has publicly called for continued demonstrations.
The Iranian regime has cut nationwide internet access, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a coming clampdown despite US warnings. Tehran escalated its threats on Saturday, with the attorney general warning that anyone taking part in protests would be considered an "enemy of God", a charge carrying the death penalty.
The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly, making two arrests - one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass. Another individual is also being sought in connection with the incident.
Iran's Embassy in London declined to comment on the matter, while President Trump warned the regime that the US would protect protesters if necessary. The Iranian government has faced its most significant wave of unrest in years, with widespread demonstrations calling for an end to clerical leadership and economic grievances driving the protests.
The contrast between this year's unrest and Iran's 2009 Green Movement is striking, according to British-Iranian journalist Potkin Azarmehr. "What a contrast to Obama's time, when protesters were chanting 'Obama, are you with us or with them?'", he noted. The current situation highlights the importance of international support for protesters.
Global attention matters to those on the ground, but Western activist groups have been noticeably absent from protests. "Where are the Western activist elite protesters? Why are they not protesting? Are they on the side of the ayatollahs?" Azarmehr asked.
Demonstrations began on December 28 over economic grievances and have since spread nationwide, posing a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership. Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have emerged in other major European cities, including Paris and Berlin. A protest also took place outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
At least 72 people have been killed and more than 2,300 detained in Iran-based protests, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Some protests have included chants supporting Iran's former monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who died in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi, has publicly called for continued demonstrations.
The Iranian regime has cut nationwide internet access, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled a coming clampdown despite US warnings. Tehran escalated its threats on Saturday, with the attorney general warning that anyone taking part in protests would be considered an "enemy of God", a charge carrying the death penalty.
It's crazy to see how different this year's Iran protests are from the 2009 Green Movement 
. The contrast between the two is striking, especially with Western activist groups noticeably absent 
. I mean, think about it - people were chanting "Obama, are you with us or with them?" back in 2009 
, but now it's like they're just MIA. It's like they're waiting for someone else to show up and lead the charge 
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. The fact that Iran is cutting internet access and warning people with death penalties for participating in protests is just horrific 
. We need to be supporting these protesters, not just talking about it 
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i dont get why people are still protesting against the government in iran tho. isnt it weird how different it is from 2009 when they had protests and stuff? 
whats going to happen next tho?
the Iranian protesters are just trying to bring attention to their suffering and economic hardships 
it's so unfair that they're being met with violent suppression by their own government 
where's the action? 
we need more solidarity and less lip service to those on the ground fighting for human rights 
. Like, they were all over the Iranian Green Movement back in 2009, but where is their outrage now? 
. The Iranian protesters are basically fighting for their lives here, and having some international backing would really make a difference in their message 
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. But seriously, its interesting how the contrast between now and back then highlights how important international support is for protesters on the ground. The lack of Western activist presence is pretty wild tho, can't help but wonder if some ppl are just too scared to rock the boat 
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Anyway, my two cents are that we should be supporting these people in any way we can. Not just with our words, but with actual resources and action. We need to make sure these protesters know they're not alone.
So let's get behind this!
It's like we're watching a never-ending cycle of oppression and protest, where the same questions keep being asked: what if? What then? We can't help but feel a sense of solidarity towards these brave protesters, but how long will their cries be silenced by the regime's iron grip? 
what if the ayatollahs are watching their every move? 
also, why did the protester in london replace the current flag with the "lion and sun" emblem? is it a symbolic gesture towards the pre-revolution era? 
but also super risky idk how he managed to do that without getting caught, maybe it was all planned out beforehand? its crazy how western activists are missing from these protests, shouldn't they be supporting the people who are standing up against the government? i mean, global attention matters but you gotta do more than just tweet about it 
, they're basically the only ones who seem to care about what's happening over there 
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! These protesters are so brave, I mean, scaling the balcony and replacing the flag with the old symbol of the monarchy... it's like they're saying "enough is enough" to all this clerical leadership drama. But at the same time, I feel for them, being arrested left and right, and even getting death threats from the attorney general 
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! Stay tuned for more updates on the Iranian protests 
it's not like there aren't any leaders in Iran who are willing to listen... like, remember when Obama was in office and everyone was chanting 'Obama, are you with us or with them'? 
dont get me wrong, solidarity is importnt but sometimes u gotta put ur foot down & take a stand 
cant just sit back & watch the bloodbath in Iran. protesters r takin risks & ppl need 2 be prepared 4 consequences 
. I mean, I guess some people just really want change, but not in a good way, you know?
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