Florence hosts protest in support of Iranian people amid nationwide unrest

A small but visible demonstration in support of the Iranian people was held on Saturday afternoon January 10, 2026 in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, bringing together members of Florence’s Iranian community, local activists and city representatives. The protest focused on condemning the Iranian authorities and expressing solidarity with ongoing protests across Iran.

The initiative was promoted by Donna Vita Libertà, a movement inspired by women-led protests in Iran. Around a few dozen people took part, holding Iranian flags and placards with images of young victims of repression, while chanting slogans calling for freedom and an end to dictatorship. Some moments of tension emerged when a small group displayed an Israeli flag, but the protest remained limited in scale.

Voices from the Iranian exile community

Among those addressing the situation was Davood Karimi, president of the Association of Iranian Political Refugees in Italy. Speaking on the sidelines of the Florence protest, he described the current unrest in Iran as a crucial phase, marked by what he said was unprecedented participation across social groups and regions.

Karimi argued that protests have continued despite severe repression and internet blackouts, and warned against what he called an excessive focus in Western media on the son of the former Shah, deposed in 1979. In his view, that narrative risks misrepresenting the aims of protesters inside Iran and undermining the movement.

Florence institutions express support

Florence’s municipal administration also took part in the initiative. The city was represented in the square by councillors Benedetta Albanese, Caterina Biti and Laura Sparavigna.

Mayor Sara Funaro later issued a statement reaffirming Florence’s solidarity with Iranian women and men protesting for freedom and human rights. She referred to reports of violent repression and digital blackouts, and said the city would continue to keep attention on the situation.

A local square, a global message

Although modest in numbers, the Florence protest reflected the city’s role as a platform for international solidarity movements. For organisers and participants, Piazza Santa Maria Novella served as a symbolic space to amplify voices from Iran and to remind local and international audiences that the outcome of the protests, as activists stressed, should be decided by Iranians themselves.

(Cover photo: a protest held in Florence in December 2025 in support of the Iranian protests)

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