Far-right praise for shah’s secret police puts Reza Pahlavi on the spot
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, is facing backlash for the glorification of the Savak, a notorious secret police agency, by some of his supporters. He has been compelled to distance himself from these displays, which undermine his image as a pro-democracy leader. Critics argue that this admiration for Savak reflects a troubling authoritarian trend within his movement.
- ▪Reza Pahlavi has been criticized for not denouncing the glorification of Savak by his supporters sooner.
- ▪The Savak was known for its brutal repression and torture during his father's regime.
- ▪Pahlavi's image as a pro-democracy leader is being challenged by the actions of his supporters.
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Reza Pahlavi, an Iranian political opposition leader in exile and the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, speaks to supporters on 23 April 2026 in Berlin, Germany. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenReza Pahlavi, an Iranian political opposition leader in exile and the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, speaks to supporters on 23 April 2026 in Berlin, Germany. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesIranFar-right praise for shah’s secret police puts Reza Pahlavi on the spotSon of deposed shah forced to distance himself from once-dreaded Savak as some of his ‘fascistic’ supporters glorify it Robert Tait in WashingtonWed 3 Jun 2026 05.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 05.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFor decades, the Savak was seen as the most hated symbol of…
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