Berlin, Germany - June 29, 2024

Thousands of Iranian exiles and critics of Iran's government gathered in Berlin on Saturday, June 29, 2024, to protest against the recent presidential elections, which they allege were manipulated to favour candidates loyal to the ruling clerics. Under the slogan "Free Iran," demonstrators converged on Bebelplatz in central Berlin, denouncing what they perceived as a sham electoral process in their homeland. Many waved flags, symbolising their demand for regime change and the establishment of democratic governance. The rally, organised by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), drew participants across Germany. Speakers voiced support for Maryam Rajavi, designated as the "future President of Iran" by the NCRI. The demonstration coincided with the announcement of a runoff election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month. Critics argue that Iran's electoral system is fundamentally undemocratic, with candidates vetted by the Guardian Council and substantial executive authority wielded by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also oversees the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Interview with Shahin Gobadi, Paris-based Spokesman of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK), Thermal-Nuclear Engineer, UCLA Alumni.