Tens of thousands to march in London urging UK to proscribe Iran’s IRGC
National march will press ministers to ban IRGC amid fears over repression, terror links and UK security
Tens of thousands of British Iranians and supporters are expected to march through central London on Sunday calling on the UK Government to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), close the Iranian embassy and sever diplomatic ties with Tehran.
The demonstration, billed by organisers as the first national March for a Free Iran, will begin at 2pm outside Broadcasting House before moving on to Downing Street, where campaigners will urge ministers to take what they describe as a far tougher stance against the Islamic Republic.
Organised by the Iranian Committee for Freedom and Stop The Hate, the rally comes amid renewed debate in Westminster over whether the IRGC should be banned under UK terrorism legislation – a move already taken by the United States.
Organisers say the march is intended to spotlight the IRGC’s repression of civilians inside Iran, as well as intimidation and hostile activity directed at diaspora communities abroad, including in the UK – concerns that have also been raised by Jewish groups in the context of Iran’s backing of militant organisations targeting Israel.
They also accuse the BBC of failing to adequately report on human rights abuses during ongoing protests in Iran, arguing that reduced coverage – combined with internet blackouts inside the country – has left protesters increasingly isolated from the outside world.
The demonstration will additionally call on the UK Government to recognise Reza Pahlavi as the legitimate representative of the Iranian people, with organisers arguing that the current regime no longer reflects the will of the population.
One of the organisers, Niyak Ghorbani, said: “The Iranian people have been risking their lives for the basic freedoms we take for granted. This is not just a distant struggle. The Islamic Republic threatens not only protesters in Iran, but also communities here in the UK.
“The regime has funded criminal activity, terrorism and violence beyond its borders, including on British soil. With protesters facing internet shutdowns and blackout tactics, international media coverage becomes crucial for those who cannot speak.
“The UK cannot continue with business as usual while protesters are beaten, imprisoned and executed. It is time for the Government to proscribe the IRGC, shut down the Embassy, and stand with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and democracy.”
Campaigners say the London march forms part of a wider international movement pushing for democratic changes in Iran, following months of unrest and violent crackdowns by the authorities.
The event is expected to draw participants from across the UK and is likely to intensify pressure on the government as ministers weigh the legal and diplomatic implications of proscribing the IRGC.
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