More than three hundred thousand Iranians reside in Germany, with some arriving legally and others seeking asylum, often illegally. This trend surged dramatically following the 2022 hijab protests that erupted in Iran after the death of Jina Mahsa Amini. Amini was arrested by Iran’s morality police for not wearing the hijab according to prescribed regulations and died in custody. The influx of Iranian immigrants prompted concerns about potential deportations, leading to a temporary ban on deportations from Germany, which expired in December 2023. During this period, Germany provided a haven for Iranians escaping persecution under Ayatollah Khameini’s rule.
Two Iranian individuals, Milad and Omid, have become prominent figures in Germany due to their stories. DW, a German media outlet, reported extensively on their experiences as critics of the Iranian government. Both men were vocal opponents of the regime, their lives irrevocably altered by the brutal crackdown on the 2022 anti-government protests triggered by Amini’s death. Milad, a 35-year-old man, accused Iranian security forces of shooting him in the eye during the protests, resulting in vision loss. He was allegedly beaten while detained and released only after promising to cease his protest activities. Omid, a 28-year-old former police officer, was dismissed in 2017 for refusing to participate in a crackdown on protesters. He subsequently faced harassment. “I played an important role by not participating in the oppression of my people,” Omid stated.
In March 2023, both men escaped Iran separately, embarking on perilous journeys. They reached Istanbul, Turkey, by plane, finding temporary respite before undertaking a grueling four-day trek to Greece. Their journey was marked by extreme hardship, with limited food and days spent surviving on only water. “The journey from Turkey to Greece was four days and nights on foot. We spent ten minutes on a boat and walked until we reached a point of rest,” Milad, who now lives in Mainz, Germany, recalled. Omid’s flight was prompted by his arrest and assault twice. “I escaped with the help of my father, who was a soldier,” he told DW. “The second time I was arrested, my friend tipped off my father, who is now retired. He used his influence to set me free. After this, I left the country.”
Their journey across Europe was riddled with challenges at every border crossing. Milad faced multiple detentions, especially in Serbia, while Omid encountered similar situations in Croatia. However, the allure of freedom kept them moving forward. Their paths converged in Serbia, where Omid joined Milad’s group, forging a bond of camaraderie amidst shared struggles. Finally, after weeks of uncertainty and fear, they reached Germany. The exact date of their arrival and their last names were not revealed in reports. “The soles of my feet were scarred. I was thinking of living freely again all the way, and that kept me going,” Omid said. “In total, we crossed 10 or 11 borders,” Milad said, speaking for both of them.
Milad and Omid’s stories are not unique; countless Iranians seek asylum in Europe, fleeing the regime’s oppressive tactics. Germany has emerged as a haven for many, providing a sense of security for those seeking to restore their rights. Just last month (July), Germany raided a mosque in Berlin, serving as an Iranian cultural center. Another such center in Hamburg was also shut down. These centers allegedly spread “terrorist ideology” and supported Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based, Iran-backed group. In November 2022, Hamburg center’s deputy head, Soleiman Mousavifar, was expelled due to his pro-Hezbollah activities.
Free from Tehran’s pressure, many Iranians have called for the designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a move already taken by the US and Canada (in June). The UK is reportedly considering listing the Iranian force as a terrorist group, but a formal decision is pending. The stories of Milad and Omid serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political persecution and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
