Munich, February 13 – The Munich Security Conference (MSC), the world’s leading expert meeting on security policy, has once again become a focal point for various protests. Demonstrations commenced today in the Bavarian capital, addressing issues ranging from the political situation in Iran to European energy policy. Several thousand people are expected to participate in protests throughout the city center.
Iran Protests Draw 1,100 to Odeonsplatz
On Friday, approximately 1,100 individuals gathered at Odeonsplatz to protest against the Iranian leadership. The demonstration, organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), proceeded without incident, according to police. The central theme of the rally, as articulated by an NCRI spokesperson, was that a solution to Iran’s challenges would not come from appeasement, war, or foreign intervention, but rather through the Iranian people and their resistance.
Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, addressed the protesters via video message, stating that the path to significant change lies in “organized uprising,” with “rebellious youth and resistance units playing the decisive role.” Rajavi presented six demands to the politicians attending the Security Conference. These demands included immediate action from the United Nations Security Council to prevent the execution of political prisoners and those arrested during the uprising, facilitating access to free internet, and the closure of Iranian embassies with the expulsion of their diplomats.
Greenpeace Targets Energy Dependency with Crane Banner
Earlier on Friday morning, Greenpeace activists unfurled a banner from a construction crane, approximately 60 meters high. The banner, emblazoned with the message “Break free from Tyrants,” aimed to draw attention to Europe’s reliance on Russia and the USA for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. “Anyone who talks about security must also talk about energy policy,” Greenpeace declared in a statement, announcing further protest actions throughout the conference weekend.
Additional Demonstrations Planned
Numerous other assemblies and actions were registered for Friday and the coming weekend. These include further solidarity rallies for the revolutionary movement in Iran and protests against the invitation of the Syrian delegation to the Munich Security Conference. The conference itself is being held at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich’s city center and will continue throughout the weekend.
The Munich Security Conference regularly attracts protests, reflecting the diverse and often contentious nature of global security issues. The demonstrations serve as a platform for various groups to voice their concerns and demands to the international political elite gathered in Munich.
