Why are protesters demanding “Freedom for the hijab” in Berlin waving Iranian flags?

A rally and march titled “Freedom for the Hijab” have also been held in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Participants brought up the hijab issue in Azerbaijan, which arose in connection with the country’s standardised school uniform policy. Videos from the event show Iranian flags being waved alongside slogans.

This raises the question: why were Iranian flags being displayed at a rally in Berlin ostensibly calling for “Freedom for the Hijab”?

Speaking to TodayPress TV on the issue, political analyst Yusif Bagirzade said these actions bring the Iranian factor to the forefront of the political campaigns directed at Azerbaijan by certain centres.

“One possible political objective of such rallies is to turn a domestic social dispute into an instrument of international pressure. By presenting specific issues to an international audience, certain organisations seek to influence decisions made by the Azerbaijani authorities and turn the country’s secular model into a subject of controversy. The display of Iranian flags also indicates that the rally carries geopolitical messages.”

The analyst noted that Tehran’s interest in preserving its political and ideological influence in the South Caucasus is one of the region’s geopolitical realities.

“There are also disagreements between Azerbaijan and Iran over sovereignty, regional security and foreign influence. For this reason, the display of Iranian religious symbols at a rally abroad concerning Azerbaijan warrants particular attention.

“However, regardless of the objective or the identity of the forces behind this kind of anti-Azerbaijani propaganda, we have no intention of backing down in the face of anyone, nor can we. Protecting the state’s secular education model and its right to make independent decisions is a matter of sovereignty. The sooner everyone understands this, the better.”

He added that the Berlin rally demonstrated attempts to turn Azerbaijan’s domestic affairs into a subject of international information and ideological competition.

“It is clear as day that these attempts will fail. Azerbaijan has both the strength and the will to pursue its independent policy.”

Jala Rovshan