Press release of 16 September 2025
On the anniversary of the protests in Iran: Mr. Dobrindt, would you reject the Dalai Lama?
Today marks the third anniversary of the start of the protest against the Islamist dictatorship in Iran. The Iranian women (and men) who took to the streets after the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini with the slogan »Jin Jiyan Azadi« (»Woman, Life, Freedom«) made world history: For the first time, the demand for gender equality became the starting point for a revolutionary uprising against a dictatorship. »The uprising was largely led by young women, often Kurds. The regime has still not been able to quell this resistance, even though the mass protests were brutally suppressed«, said Daniela Sepehri, board member of PEN Berlin.
No one can or will liberate Iran from outside; the Iranian people will have to fight for a life of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law themselves. However, other countries, including Germany, can do two things: refrain from becoming accomplices of the mullah regime and do everything in their power to support those who are fighting for a free Iran – if necessary, by protecting them from persecution.
In the initial period after the uprising was crushed, the German government issued visas to particularly vulnerable Iranian opposition figures without bureaucratic red tape; PEN Berlin was also able to bring several persecuted colleagues to safety in Germany with the support of the German authorities.
However, in practice, entry permits under Section 22 of the Residence Act are no longer being issued – neither for Iranian citizens nor for others. A residence permit under Section 22 of the Residence Act can be granted if there are »international law or urgent humanitarian reasons« – and to »safeguard the political interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.« The Federal Ministry of the Interior decides on the granting of such permits.
»Our impression is that it is now almost impossible to obtain an entry permit under Section 22 of the Residence Act«, said PEN Berlin spokesperson Deniz Yücel. This applies not only to admissions under programs, but also to individual cases. »We know that other organizations and specialist lawyers are having the same experience. I can understand that the federal government wants to curb irregular immigration. But immigration under Section 22 of the Residence Act is insignificant in terms of numbers. It is not an instrument of migration policy, but of foreign policy, which the interior minister apparently does not realize. It is to be feared that Mr. Dobrindt would also refuse to grant a residence permit to Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi or the Dalai Lama in order to improve migration statistics.«
On this anniversary, PEN Berlin therefore reminds us that supporting the Iranian freedom movement is not only necessary for humanitarian reasons, but also in Germany’s immediate political interest. »It is questionable whether Hamas’ attack on Israel, with all its consequences, would have happened if the revolution in Iran had been successful in 2022. A Middle East liberated from the mullah regime would undoubtedly be a more peaceful and free place for all who live there – and would also make Europe safer«, said Sepehri.
PEN Berlin commemorates Jina Mahsa Amini and with her over 500 people who lost their lives for »Jin Jiyan Azadi«.
PEN Berlin. We stand by our word.