A protester scaled the balcony of the Iranian embassy in London on Saturday, tearing down the flag during a large anti-government demonstration. Metropolitan Police arrested two individuals and deployed additional officers to manage the protest safely.
On Saturday afternoon, a man climbed onto the embassy building in west London’s Kensington area, standing on a balcony and removing the Iranian flag. Videos on social media captured the dramatic scene as hundreds of protesters gathered outside, waving flags and chanting slogans against the Iranian regime. The embassy later posted a picture on its X account showing the flag restored to its place.
The Metropolitan Police responded by sending extra officers to the scene to prevent disorder. By evening, they confirmed two arrests: one person for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass. Police stated that the protest was continuing but being “safely policed,” with no serious disorder observed. Officers remain in the area to ensure the embassy’s security.
This protest is part of a wider wave of demonstrations against the Iranian government that began on December 28. Human rights groups report that at least 50 protesters have been killed in Iran since the unrest started. The protests initially erupted over economic grievances but have expanded into calls for political change, including demands to end the Islamic Republic or restore the monarchy.
Similar gatherings have occurred at Iranian embassies around the world, reflecting global solidarity with the protesters in Iran. In London, many demonstrators held up pictures of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was ousted in the 1979 revolution. His name has become a rallying cry for some seeking a return to monarchical rule.
Internationally, leaders have expressed concern over the violence. Last week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, issued a joint statement condemning the killing of protesters and urging Iranian authorities to protect their population and allow peaceful assembly. They emphasized the need for freedom of expression without fear of reprisal.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed the protesters as “troublemakers” and accused them of acting to please the United States. The Iranian government has imposed an internet blackout across the country, making it difficult to verify events on the ground. International news organizations, including the BBC, are barred from reporting inside Iran, so social media plays a crucial role in disseminating information.
The protests have now entered their 13th day, growing into the largest anti-government movement in years. As tensions persist, the international community watches closely, with police in London maintaining a presence to handle any further incidents. The event at the embassy underscores the deep-seated discontent and the challenges faced by both protesters and authorities in navigating this volatile situation.
