15,000 Rally in Berlin as Pro-Iran Protests Spark Accusations of 'Ideological Theater'

Recent large-scale demonstrations across major Western cities, including Berlin, New York, and London, have drawn sharp criticism for their overt solidarity with the Iranian regime amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. These protests, occurring just days after a new phase of hostilities broke out between the two Middle Eastern powers, echo similar events observed in October 2023 following the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Tens of thousands of participants gathered, with approximately 15,000 reported in Berlin alone, alongside significant turnouts in London and New York. Organizers, often linked to pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups, voiced strong anti-Israel sentiments and called for an end to military actions against Iran. Chants such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and "Burn Tel Aviv to the ground" were reported at various rallies, raising concerns about antisemitic incitement.

Maral Salmassi, an Iranian-German artist, engineer, and former refugee, critically analyzed these demonstrations, describing them as "organized ideological theater." In a recent commentary, she stated, "Just like on October 8th, 2023, last week, rabid mobs of leftists and Islamists once again flooded the streets of Berlin, New York, and London." Salmassi, known for her outspoken anti-Iranian regime and pro-Israel views, argues that these Western "activists" exhibit a form of "oikophobia" and "ritualized masochism" by aligning with a regime known for severe human rights abuses.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, which has governed since 1979, is widely documented for its repressive policies, including torture, mass executions, and suppression of women's rights and dissent. Salmassi highlighted this context, noting that the regime "crushes women, murders dissenters, funds global terror—and yet still inspires Western 'activists' to dance in its defense." She further criticized the perceived paradox of Westerners celebrating a regime that would deny them fundamental freedoms.

The swift coordination and uniform messaging observed across these international protests suggest a deeper, organized effort rather than spontaneous outrage, according to Salmassi. Her analysis points to a "racist delusion, projected through masochistic wishful thinking and drenched in patronizing low expectations" among some Western participants, who she views as "ideological collaborators" rather than genuine fighters against oppression.