Going to a Rally Today? Keep the Peace & Other Tips

Iranians and their supporters living abroad will hold protest rallies in more than 150 cities around the world today, October 1, in solidarity with the demands of protesters inside the country. The gatherings – under the title "It's Time", and also “Freedom Rally” – were organized mainly by Hamid Esmaeilion, a legal campaigner, whose wife and child were killed when the Islamic Revolutionary Guards shot down a Ukrainian plane in January 2020.

Below are some tips for safe and effective protests for Iranians and everyone around the world planning to attend a rally.

Avoid conflict

Do not engage in conflict with other people. If a conflict does arise, move as far away from the scene as possible, and help to keep order by calling law enforcement.

Report suspicious activity to the police

Inform police of any suspicious activity that may disrupt orderly rallies and disturb the peace of those who attend. In some cases, bad actors may seek to spark conflict, disrupt the gathering and draw in protestors, even with the intention of stealing from people or committing other crimes.

Do not damage public property

In protests, it can be easy to be overcome with excitement or intense emotions and to engage in actions such as overturning trash cans, burning street furniture, flags or pictures of officials and leaders. Maintaining public order and safety means avoiding any action that leads to destruction or damage, even minor, to public property, or any action perceived as such, and to report suspicious and dangerous cases to the police.

Avoid slogans that incite ethnic and racial animosities

The Iranian diaspora is diverse and contains different ethnicities, religious groups, races and beliefs. Avoid unnecessary disputes and prevent the incitement of ethnic, racial and religious feelings by refraining from chanting slogans that offend fellow citizens.

Ethnicity, race and religion have nothing to do with the purpose of these rallies, which is to protest against the policies of the Islamic Republic and its leaders, including the imposition of the mandatory hijab.

Respect the neighbors

Holding free protest gatherings hosted by different cities of the world has become possible by respecting the civil rights of others, including neighbors who live in the vicinity of the place of protest, or whose businesses are in the area. Respecting the peace of these people increases the national respect and dignity of Iranians and is a suitable response to the host cities of these rallies.

Refrain from attacking the Iranian embassy and diplomatic premises

If your gathering is held near the embassy, ​​consulate or other diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran, absolutely refrain from causing damage or trying to capture or harm its employees. Under international law, the police of host countries are obliged to prevent protesters from entering these places or occupying them. Trying to take such measures damages the reputation and financial position of Iranians.

Respect local culture and customs

Protests are planned in more than 150 cities and Iranians may be forced to travel to reach them. The customs, culture and beliefs of the local population may differ from those of the Iranians protesting. Respecting these beliefs will maintain the order of the gathering and win the respect of protesters and their hosts.

Share these tips with your friends

Please share the key points raised in this article to help preserve the peace and order of the gatherings.