The large demonstration of freedom-loving Iranians took place in Munich on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Odeon Square, coinciding with the Munich Security Conference. The main slogan of the demonstrators was “No Shah no Mullah, overthrow the clerical dictatorship and establish a democratic republic in Iran.”
This demonstration was a manifestation of the iron will of the people of Iran to reclaim their national sovereignty and emphasized the connection between global security and the realization of freedom and justice in Iran. The timing of this gathering alongside the Munich Security Conference highlights an important truth: security without considering the voices of oppressed people of Iran is meaningless and becomes merely a diplomatic mirage.
Ms. Maryam Manouchehri was among the speakers at this event. Her speech was as follows:
Maryam Manouchehri: The Munich Conference must recognize the Iranian people’s right to determine their own future.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear participants of the Munich Security Conference,
In light of the demonstrations of tens of thousands of people last Saturday in Berlin, and before that around the world, one thing becomes clear. These rallies are an expression of unprecedented consensus and a firm “no” to any form of dictatorship, whether monarchical or religious. Because both mean repressions, the lack of freedom, and exploitation.
For years, we have been demonstrating here to warn that the current rulers do not represent the Iranian people nor do the monarchists. The Iranian people reject a return to the past. They want to shape their own democratic and pluralist future. A democratic republic together with all ethnicities and religions minorities.
Today, we want to send a clear message to this conference: the invitation of the representatives of past authoritarian structures, including the son of the former Shah, is perceived as disregard for the Iranian people’s historic struggle for freedom. The Iranian people have already overcome this dictatorship and resolutely reject any return to it.
Iran’s future cannot lie in restoration of past forms of regimes, nor in the continuation of the current religious ruling regime. It is equally clear that the people of Iran do not want war. They do not want military intervention from the outside. Sustainable change cannot be imposed; it must arise from within society itself.
What Iranians are demanding is international recognition of their legitimate pursuit of freedom, democracy, human rights, and political self-determination. When this conference addresses stability in the Middle East, it cannot simply talk about governments, it must also listen to the voices of the people.
True stability does not arise from appeasing authoritarian regimes but from supporting those who fight for freedom, the rule of law, and democratic participation.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, represented by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi as its President-elect, is the only true alternative for Iran. It is not fighting for power, but for a life of dignity for the Iranian people, for human rights, for the rule of law, and democratic values.
Our central demand from the Munich Conference is therefore:
Recognize the right of the people of Iran to determine their own future. Stand with the Iranian people and the National Council of Resistance of Iran as representatives of a free and democratic Iran.
End the policy of appeasement that legitimizes or downplays authoritarian structures.
Recognize that a return to monarchy and military intervention are not solutions for Iran.
Recognize the organized resistance movement of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and the legitimate struggle of the Resistance Units against the regime.
Let us work together to ensure that these voices are heard.
Thank you very much.
