Demonstrators called for Western action to depose the Ayatollah of Iran

Iranians worldwide, including several hundred in Birmingham, gathered yesterday in protest against the Islamic regime in a “Global Day of Action.”

A demonstration at Victoria Square was convened in solidarity with compatriots, including family members, in Iran fighting what organisers call “one of the world’s deadliest regimes.”

Protesters cited recent violence by forces loyal to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, so-called “supreme leader” of Iran, killing tens of thousands of civilians, with ongoing executions of prisoners and wounded detainees without judicial process.

Demonstrators are calling for regime change backed up by economic sanctions, the immediate restoration of internet access for all Iranians, the expulsion of regime diplomats and for all political prisoners to be freed – in line with the transition plans of the Shah, Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has been in exile since the Islamic regime seized power in 1979.

‘We need international support from other countries, including the United States and Europe’

Yesterday’s protests followed a global call supported by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, resulting in highly emotive scenes as Iranians across the world, and notably in Birmingham, held fists of defiance aloft.

It took place as US armed forces continue gathering in the Arabian Gulf, fuelling speculation that President Trump may be preparing to intervene in Iran.

“Iranians continue to fight for the freedom that is their birthright,” demo organisers said, waving banners with slogans including “Victory to Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution.“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

One Birmingham-based Iranian protester, whose family live in Iran and who asked not to be named, said: “I am here today in solidarity with the grieving and oppressed people of my country. 

“As you know, peaceful protesters have been met with severe violence previously and thousands of them have been killed and still being executed.

“We are calling for a change to Iran’s terrorist and dictator regime. For this we need international support from other countries, including the United States and Europe. 

“Our people cannot stand against these terrorists empty-handed, because their protests would once again lead to another massacre.”