Solidarity with the protests; dictators must go, human rights must be respected

As popular protests continue in many countries, a group of young political activists in Berlin held a protest rally calling for the release of political prisoners, an end to repression and dictatorship, the elimination of discrimination, and the establishment of justice in the world.

A rally to declare "solidarity with demonstrators across the Middle East and North Africa" ​​was held this evening, December 7 (December 16), at the invitation of a group of "international political activists" and with the presence of a large number of political and social activists and activists, in Hermannplatz, one of the central squares of Berlin.

Carrying placards in Persian, Arabic, Turkish, English, German, Spanish, and Chinese, the protesters called for an end to "repression of the people, corruption, sectarianism, authoritarianism, and occupation," noting that the demonstrations by people from the Middle East to North Africa, Latin America, and Hong Kong have transcended the national borders of these countries.

The protesters also condemned government violence against the people of these regions of the world and declared that they are united and opposed to any political repression, disrespect for human rights, and the loss of civil liberties.

This solidarity rally also honored the memory of all the fighters who lost their lives to gain freedom and human dignity.

The demonstrators came from Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Kurdistan, Jordan, Sudan, and Algeria. Among the crowd present were many young people from Germany, France, and Latin America, all of whom chanted these slogans in different languages: “Shoulder to shoulder, against racism,” “Bread, freedom, and social justice,” “A political prisoner must be freed,” “From Algeria to Syria, against dictatorship,” “Bread, peace, freedom,” “Everyone means everyone,” “Labor, unemployment, forced hijab for women,” “Anti-women government, overthrow, overthrow,” “Let’s build a better world with our sisterhood,” and “Death to the Islamic Republic.”

In various parts of this gathering, which had a "transnational" approach with the presence of youth and political activists from different countries, some youth spoke as the "voice of protest" of their compatriots about the state of government repression of the people and the arrest and killing of youth.

Continuing the fight against undemocratic governments, ending repression and street violence, unity and solidarity to fight poverty and economic injustice, and recognizing human rights and women's rights, as well as striving for a better life under the shadow of security and freedom of expression, were among the most important demands of those gathering today in Berlin.

Continued violence against the Iranian people

Along with young political activists and civil society activists from different countries, many Iranians also attended the rally. Some also came from other German cities to attend today's rally in Berlin.

Regarding the importance of this rally and the declaration of solidarity with protesters in various countries, Qasem Pouladian, a resident of Hanover, told DW that the Iranian people have lost their patience and have very strong motivations for peaceful struggle.

He added that, unfortunately, the regime does not tolerate even peaceful protests and any demand for rights and has resorted to "massacres."

Bahram, a student who was forced to leave Iran after being “starred,” said that unfortunately, the Islamic government in Iran has “starred” the Iranian people in various ways and is “making cases” for anyone who protests in any way. He added that the rulers of the Islamic Republic know no other option but “violence,” and as a result, people are forced to choose the path of “fire for fire.”

Hamid Nozari, head of the Center for Political Refugees in Berlin, also told DW that today's solidarity rally, which is an initiative by young political activists from different countries, is not about dictatorship and discrimination in all countries that oppose the legitimate demands of their people.

Source: DW