A protester briefly hoisted the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag on the Iranian embassy balcony in London, drawing cheers from hundreds of demonstrators. Police deployed extra officers, arrested two people and are seeking a third in connection with the incident. The demonstration reflects nationwide protests in Iran since Dec. 28 amid internet blackouts and reports of at least 51 dead, according to Iran Human Rights. The episode underscores international concern over the escalating unrest and government response.
Pre-1979 'Lion-And-Sun' Flag Briefly Raised On Iranian Embassy Balcony In London
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in London waved pre-Islamic Revolution flags (HENRY NICHOLLS)(HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP/AFP)
A protester briefly replaced the Islamic Republic of Iran's flag on the country's London embassy with the tricolour banner used before the 1979 revolution, witnesses said.
Social media video shows a man standing on the embassy balcony near Hyde Park removing the current national flag and unfurling the older ceremonial standard — a tricolour bearing a lion and sun motif within a wreath topped by a crown. Witnesses said the historical flag flew for several minutes before being removed.
Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for democracy and justice while invoking Shah Reza Pahlavi. Some held placards reading ‘Free Iran’.
One attendee, identified as Taraneh, 33, who declined to give a surname, said she had come to show support for relatives still inside Iran. She told AFP that the internet blackout in Iran made reliable information scarce but that people inside the country continued to protest despite being attacked.
In an online statement, London police said additional officers were deployed to prevent disorder and to protect the Iranian embassy after the incident. Two people were arrested — one on suspicion of aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass — and officers were seeking a further person in connection with alleged trespass.
The balcony incident occurred against the backdrop of nationwide protests in Iran that began on December 28. What started amid concern over currency devaluation and rising living costs has widened into mass demonstrations calling for an end to the Islamic Republic.
Authorities in Iran have cut internet access, prompting concerns from NGOs and monitoring groups that the blackout could be used to suppress protesters. According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, at least 51 people, including nine children, have been killed and hundreds wounded so far.
Why it matters: The symbolic raising of the pre-revolution flag at the embassy highlights the deep political divisions fueling protests inside Iran and the international attention the unrest has drawn.
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