In several North Rhine-Westphalia cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday against the mullah regime in Iran. There may be traffic delays.
The demonstration for freedom in Iran started in Düsseldorf at 2 p.m. 7,000 participants were registered. There are also protests against the mullahs’ regime in Bielefeld. It will start at 4 p.m. in front of the main train station under the motto “Stop the attacks and massacres in Syria and Iran.” 200 demonstrators are registered. Smaller demonstrations are also planned in Münster.
Several Iran demos in Cologne
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Iran demonstration in front of Cologne Cathedral
Eight demonstrations against the Iranian regime have been registered with the Cologne police for Saturday – most of them in the city center and near Cologne Cathedral. Another demonstration is to take place in the Deutz district on the right bank of the Rhine.
Demos on the situation in Iran: thousands demonstrators expected
Up to 800 participants are expected at each of the individual demonstrations in Cologne. Since these take place almost simultaneously, participants may switch back and forth between the demos.
That’s why it’s difficult to estimate how crowded the city will actually be, says the Cologne police. But she expects a total of several thousand people. Therefore, it can get particularly crowded in the large squares around the cathedral and main station as well as on Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz, Heumarkt and Chlodwigplatz.
Demo against US politics in Cologne
There will also be a demonstration against US politics and the attack on Venezuela at Zülpicher Platz in Cologne. Around 50 people are expected there. The police want to be present in all places and ensure security.
Our sources:
- Cologne police
- Information from the WDR studio Düsseldorf
- dpa news agency
Broadcast: WDR.deProtest against Iran regime: Demos announced in Cologne, 16.01.2026, 4:36 p.m
Broadcast: WDR 5, News, January 17, 20268:00 a.m
