Monarchists’ Savak marches revive memories of the shah’s torture state

Monarchists’ Savak marches revive memories of the shah’s torture state Submitted by MEE correspondent on Wed, 05/20/2026 - 13:48 As Pahlavists hold fascist-style parades in Europe, Iranians recall repression by notorious secret police Supporters of Iran's former crown prince Reza Pahlavi march in London on 26 April 2026 (screengrab) Off Supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran ’s deposed shah, have marched through a number of European cities in recent weeks wearing military-style uniforms, carrying flags associated with Savak, the feared secret police accused of torture and repression under the monarchy. Holding large images of Pahlavi, who has openly backed Israeli and US strikes on Iran during the recent war, they called for continued attacks on their homeland and the return of the former crown prince to power. For many Iranians, the display of symbols of the notorious intelligence service revived memories of brutality under the shah’s rule.