Masih Alinejad’s Protest in Geneva: Tearing Up Photos of Khamenei, Rouhani, and Pezeshkian

Introduction

One of the most striking moments of the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in 2026 was the powerful protest led by Iranian activist Masih Alinejad. During the summit, Alinejad took a bold stance against Iran’s oppressive regime by tearing up photographs of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former President Hassan Rouhani, and prominent medical professionals associated with the regime.

The Symbolic Protest

In a carefully coordinated act of civil disobedience, Masih Alinejad symbolically tore images of Iran’s top officials and officials linked to the regime’s oppressive policies. This act was not only a protest against the regime’s human rights abuses but also a message of resilience and defiance from the Iranian opposition.

Alinejad’s act of tearing the photos was broadcast globally, capturing the attention of millions. It underscored the deep dissatisfaction among Iranians and their supporters worldwide, highlighting the regime’s brutality, suppression of dissent, and the ongoing struggle for democracy.

The Significance of the Action

This protest was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a call to international communities to recognize the plight of the Iranian people. By tearing the images of Khamenei and Rouhani, Alinejad visually denounced the regime’s authority and its oppressive tactics, including the persecution of activists, journalists, and medical professionals who oppose the regime.

In particular, the inclusion of images of doctors in the protest emphasized the regime’s suppression of medical professionals who have spoken out against Iran’s mismanagement of health crises and human rights violations. It also drew attention to the critical role of healthcare workers in resisting authoritarian oppression.