Protester climbs onto balcony of Iranian embassy in London

A protester has climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy in south-west London.

The Metropolitan Police said they were aware of a demonstration taking place in front of the building, and additional officers were being deployed “to prevent any disorder”.

Anti-government protests erupted in Iran on 28 December, with two human rights groups reporting that at least 50 protesters have been killed.

Protesters demonstrating against the Iranian regime have been gathering outside Iranian embassies across the world, including in London.

In a joint statement released last week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of Germany and France, said they were “deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iranian security forces, and strongly condemn the killing of protesters”.

“The Iranian authorities have the responsibility to protect their own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal,” French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Starmer said.

The protests, which have now entered their 13th day, erupted over the economy and have grown into the largest in years – leading to calls for an end to the Islamic Republic and some urging the restoration of the monarchy.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called anti-government protesters “troublemakers” and accused them of trying “to please the president of the US”.

An internet blackout is currently in place across the Middle Eastern country.

The BBC and most other international news organisations are barred from reporting inside Iran, so social media is often relied upon to verify what is happening on the ground.