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Fact-Checkers Trace Viral 'Iran Protest' Video to 2025 Clashes in Thessaloniki

The Greek footage went viral as internet restrictions in Iran limited verifiable images from genuine protests.

Overview

  • Full Fact, AFP, The Quint and India Today independently verified that the widely shared clip was filmed in Thessaloniki, Greece in early November 2025.
  • Investigations linked the video to Instagram posts from November 2–3 and matched landmarks via Google Street View, with corroborating footage from Ta Nea, Kathimerini and Newsflare.
  • Local reports said the violence followed a rap concert by Lex near the Turkish Consulate, with some accounts citing 18 arrests after Molotov cocktails and tear gas were used.
  • The miscaptioned posts on Facebook and X falsely claimed vast crowds across Iran, and the same clip spread in Thai, Chinese and Hindi, inflating perceptions of current unrest.
  • Rights group Iran Human Rights reported 734 confirmed deaths in the ongoing Iranian protests and warned the toll is likely higher, as internet blackouts hinder independent verification.