By Peter Omopo
A protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy in south-west London on Saturday as demonstrations against the Iranian government continued outside the diplomatic mission.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were aware of the protest taking place in front of the embassy and confirmed that additional personnel had been deployed to the area to prevent any disorder.
The protest in London forms part of a wave of demonstrations by Iranians and their supporters worldwide following anti-government protests that erupted in Iran on December 28. Two human rights organisations have reported that at least 50 protesters have been killed since the unrest began.
Similar protests have been held outside Iranian embassies in several countries, as demonstrators condemn the actions of Iranian security forces and call for political change.
In a joint statement issued last week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed deep concern over reports of violence in Iran and strongly condemned the killing of protesters. The leaders urged Iranian authorities to protect their citizens and uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisals.
The protests, now in their 13th day, initially began over economic grievances but have since escalated into the largest anti-government demonstrations in years. Some protesters are calling for the end of the Islamic Republic, while others have urged the restoration of the monarchy.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed the protesters as “troublemakers,” accusing them of acting to “please the president of the United States.”
An internet blackout remains in place across Iran, limiting access to information. International media organisations, including the BBC, are barred from reporting from inside the country, making social media one of the primary sources for updates on developments on the ground.
