Demonstrators gather at White House to support Iranian ‘liberty, democracy’

"For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing," said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States.  (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
“For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing,” said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, showed support in front of the White House Saturday for the nationwide protests that have shaken Iran. (WTOP/Dick Ulliano) (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Despite sub-freezing temperatures, demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, gathered in front of the White House to show support for nationwide protests that have shaken Iran. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Despite subfreezing temperatures, demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, gathered in front of the White House to show support for nationwide protests that have shaken Iran. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The protests in Iran began December 28 and were sparked by a jump in food prices, but went nationwide with calls to overthrow the Iranian government, according to the Associated Press. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The protests in Iran began December 28 and were sparked by a jump in food prices, but went nationwide with calls to overthrow the Iranian government, according to The Associated Press. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The demonstrators waved flags including the flag of the Shah, or king, who was overthrown by Iran's current regime. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The demonstrators waved flags including the flag of the Shah, or king, who was overthrown by Iran’s current regime. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
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"For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing," said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States.  (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Despite sub-freezing temperatures, demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, gathered in front of the White House to show support for nationwide protests that have shaken Iran. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The protests in Iran began December 28 and were sparked by a jump in food prices, but went nationwide with calls to overthrow the Iranian government, according to the Associated Press. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
The demonstrators waved flags including the flag of the Shah, or king, who was overthrown by Iran's current regime. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)

WASHINGTON — Despite subfreezing temperatures, demonstrators, many with roots in Iran, gathered in front of the White House to show support for protests that have shaken Iran.

“For liberty in Iran and democracy in Iran we are here to support the protests in Iran that are ongoing,” said Majid Sadeghpour, a Falls Church, Virginia, pharmacist who also serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian American Communities in the United States.

“We want the United States to demonstrate and continue to demonstrate moral support for the people of Iran,” he said.

The protests in Iran began Dec. 28 and were sparked by a jump in food prices. The protests quickly escalated as they spread across Iran and included calls to overthrow the Iranian government, according to The Associated Press.

Iran has restricted social media and demonstrators are asking U.S. technology companies to keep the information flowing in the autocratic nation to aid anti-government demonstrators

“Technology companies in the United States have power to provide free, available internet connections in Iran while the government is closing down and clamping down on social media,” said Sofey Saidi of Alexandria, Virginia.

The demonstrators waved flags dating back to the rule of the Shah, who was overthrown by the current regime during the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Dick Uliano

Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives.

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