On Saturday, Iranians marked the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution by holding large rallies in Tehran and other major cities, as President Ebrahim Raisi declared victory over the months-long protests. Despite the cold weather, tens of thousands of people took to the streets, waving flags and converging on Azadi (Freedom) Square.
There were chants of “Down with the US”, “Down with Israel”, and “Down with the UK” as people displayed pictures of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the revered general Qasem Soleimani. Furthermore, posters stating “We stand until the end”, “A united, strong, and stable Iran”, and “We obey the leader” were displayed.
At the event, Sejjil ballistic missiles and Shahed 136 drones were displayed, and Raisi spoke about the people’s pledge of allegiance to the revolution. According to the ultra-conservative president, this pledge represents much more than a vote of confidence for the Islamic Republic.
Raisi declared victory over the nationwide protest movement that was sparked after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in custody after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s dress code for women. According to the president, the protests were provoked and fueled by the West, and he praised the history-making nation of Iran for recognizing the evil hand of the enemy and overcoming it.
As a result of the protests, the judiciary has sentenced 18 people to death, and four executions have sparked international outrage. State television reported that celebrations for the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution were held in 1,400 cities and towns across the country, with large rallies in Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Tabriz. The anniversary commemorates the fall of the Shah’s government ten days after Shia cleric Khomeini returned from exile.
