Protesters Take Over Iranian Embassy in London
On Friday, a video surfaced showing anti-regime demonstrators climbing the balcony of the Iranian embassy in London, where they replaced the Islamic Republic’s flag with the historical “lion and sun” emblem from before 1979.
Once atop the embassy in Kensington, the protesters removed the regime’s flags and displayed symbols related to Iran’s history prior to the Islamic revolution, all while a large crowd cheered in solidarity.
The Metropolitan Police reported that they were called to the scene, leading to the arrest of one individual for aggravated trespassing and assaulting an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespassing as well.
Authorities also mentioned they were seeking a third individual on suspicion of trespassing.
It remains uncertain if those who removed the flag were part of those arrested.
The embassy protest takes place amid significant unrest in Iran, which has seen the largest protests in years. President Trump indicated that the United States stands ready to support protesters if necessary.
British-Iranian journalist Potkin Azalmeer pointed out how the current protests differ from Iran’s Green Movement in 2009, during which demonstrators questioned the Obama administration’s stance.
Azarmehr commented, “What a contrast to President Obama, when Iranian protesters were shouting, ‘Obama, are you with us or are you with them?'” He further noted that the international support, both grassroots and governmental, seems to be uplifting.
While he acknowledged the importance of global visibility for protesters, he expressed concern over the apparent absence of activism from Western groups.
“Where are the Western activist elite protesters? Why aren’t they protesting? Are they on the side of the Ayatollahs? Is it old-fashioned religious apartheid?”
Protests that started on December 28 over economic issues have escalated into a direct challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership. There have also been demonstrations in support of Iranian protesters in major cities across Europe, including Paris and Berlin, as well as in front of the White House in Washington, D.C.
According to reports, as of Saturday, at least 72 people have died and more than 2,300 have been detained during the protests in Iran.
Support for former monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has also surfaced at demonstrations, with his son Reza Pahlavi encouraging the protests to continue.
In an effort to stifle dissent, the Iranian regime has cut off internet access nationwide. President Trump stated at a news conference that Iran is under increasing pressure.
“Iran is in great trouble,” he stated, noting that it seems people are taking over cities thought to be secure just a few weeks prior. “We’re monitoring the situation very closely,” he added, warning that the U.S. would respond if violence escalates significantly.
Trump said, “We’re going to hit them where it hurts,” indicating a strong approach without committing ground forces.
Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei hinted at a crackdown, despite warnings from the U.S. The Iranian government’s threats intensified on Saturday, with Attorney General Mohammad Mobahedi Azad declaring that those participating in protests would be considered “enemies of God” and could face the death penalty.
A statement broadcasted by Iranian state television emphasized the urgency for legal action against those deemed to “aid the mob,” calling for trials without mercy or impunity.
