Helsinki — Hundreds of members of the Kurdish diaspora, Iranian activists, and supporters of the Kurdish cause gathered in the Finnish capital on Sunday to voice solidarity with ongoing protests in Iran and Kurdistan. The demonstration aimed to express support for the uprising of the peoples of Iran and Eastern Kurdistan, while reaffirming backing for the resistance in Western Kurdistan (Rojava).

According to Zhina Media, the event was organized by the Eastern Kurdistan Dialogue Center and was held in a peaceful yet energetic atmosphere. At the opening of the rally, a message from the Dialogue Center was read in Kurdish, Persian, and Finnish, highlighting the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people and calling for an end to political repression.

Several Kurdish and Finnish figures addressed the crowd during the demonstration. Among the most prominent speakers was Erkki Tuomioja, Finland’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs. In his remarks, Tuomioja voiced strong support for the struggle of the peoples of Iran and emphasized the Kurdish people’s right to self-determination.

Referring to Iran’s political situation, Tuomioja stated that replacing one authoritarian system with another would not resolve the country’s deep-rooted problems. He stressed that only the establishment of a democratic system—one that guarantees equal rights for all peoples—could pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region.

The former foreign minister also highlighted the role of the Kurds in Western Kurdistan, noting their decisive contribution in the fight against ISIS. He called on the international community to recognize these sacrifices and to provide continued political and moral support.

The demonstration concluded with chants against the Iranian authorities and the singing of the Kurdish national anthem.

The rally, held on January 25, 2026, forms part of a broader series of initiatives by the Kurdish diaspora across Europe aimed at amplifying the voices of protesters in Kurdistan and Iran and bringing their demands to the attention of the international community.