Iran's State TV Caught Faking German Protest Footage in Disinformation Scandal
A controversial video released by Iran's state-run SNN channel has sparked confusion over protests in Germany. The footage, published on February 10, 2026, appeared to show a pro-monarchy rally in Munich, but investigations later revealed it was staged and filmed in Berlin. The video featured protesters demanding military action against Iran and the return of the monarchy. Many of those shown were not Iranian but Syrian and Ukrainian, leading to claims they may have been paid participants. The original demonstration took place on February 7, 2026, near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, organised by groups linked to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which opposes both the Iranian monarchy and the current regime.
The NCRI's slogan, *'Neither the Shah nor the mullahs,'* highlights their push for a democratic republic. Meanwhile, a separate pro-monarchy rally did occur in Munich—but only on February 14, 2026, four days after SNN released the misleading footage. Social media users quickly questioned the video's authenticity, noting inconsistencies in location and participants. The NCRI's Berlin event had drawn around 8,000 people, but the SNN clip misrepresented its nature and timing.
The SNN video has been exposed as staged, with its content sourced from Iranian state media. The actual Berlin protest was unrelated to the later Munich rally, which took place after the footage was already circulating. The incident raises concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting Iranian opposition movements abroad.
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