Thousands of people protested Saturday in Berlin in support of Iranians’ nationwide protests against their government that began late last year but was repressed by a violent and deadly crackdown.

The protests started in response to the collapse of the country's monetary system and related economic hardships but quickly turned political. The Berlin rally was held on the same day as the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 anti-monarchy revolution, according to Reuters. 

Berlin police told the wire service that roughly 8,000 had gathered early at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and that 20,000 had registered to attend.

Organizers said the expected crowd was 100,000, but thousands were unable to attend because their flights were canceled due to weather. Among those whose flights were canceled was former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The event is supported by 344 organizations and political figures, organizers also said.

Iran is primarily ruled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also has authority over the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which led the crackdown on the protests in which thousands reportedly died.

"The message of the rally will be clear: although the clerical dictatorship has been severely weakened, it will not collapse on its own. At the same time, foreign military intervention is not a solution," said the National Council of Resistance of Iran, a group behind the rally. 

"Democratic change in Iran can only be achieved through the overthrow of the ruling regime by the Iranian people themselves and the organized resistance inside the country that has been confronting the repressive forces, including the Revolutionary Guards.

"The participation of Iranians as well as German and European citizens reflects solidarity with Iranian people, freedom fighters and resistance activists inside Iran, who have put their lives on the line for the establishment of free, democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran."

NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said in prepared remarks: "Following the January uprising, no one in the world doubts the certainty of the clerical regime’s overthrow. For years and years, we said: overthrow, overthrow. And now, everyone sees it is approaching with their own eyes and hears the sound of its footsteps. 

"The courage of Iran’s rebels shone and became global. And the spell of appeasement toward the IRGC in Europe has been shattered. Now is the time to recognize the 44-year resistance of the Iranian people for overthrow. Yes, now is the time to recognize the struggle of the Resistance Units against the IRGC."