Iranians Boycott Islamic Revolution Anniversary Rallies

Images and videos circulated on the main day of celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the 1979 revolution depicted a stark contrast from previous years, with no apparent presence of people to fill the streets.

In a bid to conceal the failure, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said, "People across the country made efforts and showed their enthusiasm and fervor. This year, the people displayed revolutionary pride to the world."

The ten-day period from February 1 commemorates Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's arrival in Tehran from Paris in 1979, culminating in the revolution's victory on February 11th.

People shunned the rallies despite efforts by the government included relaxing enforcement of compulsory hijab, one of the pillars of the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom uprising, and providing recreational activities on the streets. Crowds were sparse and venues largely empty. 

Nonetheless, government-controlled media and officials hailed the celebration of the revolution as "epic".

Meanwhile, Iranians in many European and North American cities took to the streets to protest against human rights abuses in Iran as the regime continues its crackdown and accelerates execution of dissidents.

The efforts to portray a veneer of national unity come on the eve of the upcoming elections where voter turnout is expected to be below 15 percent, the country's apathy at an all time low amidst social and economic turmoil.