Thousands of people protested today against the war in Iran and the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, at gatherings called “No Kings” across the United States and Europe.
The U.S. state of Minnesota was at the center of events, where organizers expected massive demonstrations with millions of participants, AP reports.
Thousands stood shoulder to shoulder on the lawn of the Minnesota Capitol and in the surrounding streets in Saint Paul. Some carried American flags turned upside down, which is traditionally considered a sign of distress.
The main star of the rally was Bruce Springsteen, who performed the song “Streets of Minneapolis”, written as a reaction to the deaths of Rene Good and Alex Preti, who were killed by federal agents, as well as in support of thousands of Minnesota residents who protested during the winter against the harsh immigration policy of the Trump administration.
Before starting the song, Springsteen expressed regret over their deaths, but said that public resistance against the immigration service gives hope to the rest of the country.
“Your strength and dedication have shown us that this is still America. This reactionary nightmare and raids into American cities will not last,” he emphasized.
Protests were held across the U.S. – from New York to the small town of Driggs in the U.S. state of Idaho. American organizers estimate that the first two waves of “No Kings” rallies gathered more than five million people in June and seven million in October.
Organizers estimate that this time as many as nine million people could participate, although the exact number is not yet known. More than 3,100 rallies were held in all 50 U.S. states.
In Topeka in the state of Kansas, participants dressed up as a “frog king” and a baby representing Trump, while others carried banners such as “Cats against Trump”. Representatives of the Republican Party downplayed the significance of the protests, AP reports.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson assessed that the gatherings are the work of “left-wing networks” without real public support, while Republicans from Congress called the protests “anti-American”. Demonstrators presented a range of demands – from opposition to the war in Iran and immigration policy, to criticism of the reduction of transgender rights.
In Washington, demonstrators carried banners with messages “Put down the crown, clown” and “Regime change begins at home”. Protesters rang bells, beat drums and chanted “No Kings”.
In New York, the director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, Donna Lieberman, said that the authorities want to intimidate citizens, but will not succeed. Organizers state that a large number of participants also came from conservative states, showing the breadth of dissatisfaction.
The main rally was held in front of the Minnesota Capitol, where organizers expected around 100,000 people. Jane Fonda and Senator Bernie Sanders also took part in the program. About 40,000 people participated in the march at the “No Kings” rally in San Diego, local police said.
Protests were also held outside the U.S., in more than 10 countries from Europe to Latin America and Australia.
Ezra Levin, executive director of the organization Indivisible, which is behind the organization of these events, said that in countries with constitutional monarchies the protests are called “No Tyrants”.
In Rome, demonstrators protested against the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the war in Iran, while in London participants of the protest against the war in Iran carried messages “Stop the far right” and “Oppose racism”.
In Paris, several hundred people gathered this morning at Bastille, mostly Americans living in France, together with French trade unions and human rights organizations.
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Source: RTV, Foto: Al Jazeera English