Rally today in Minneapolis to support democracy in Iran

Iranians and Iranian Americans plan to rally in downtown Minneapolis in support of democracy this afternoon.

Organizer Parham Alaei said he expects a good turnout for the rally, both among the state's Iranian community, and from others.

He said that's despite the ebb of street demonstrations in Tehran, where protesters have been rallying in response to the June 12 elections in Iran.

"The main theme of the rally, the main reason for the rally has not changed at all," Alaei said. "There is still a need to support the Iranian people and show that we here in Minnesota stand with them."

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He said he thinks his native country has reached a turning point.

"I personally think the seeds of change have been planted," Alaei said. "I don't think its going to go back the way it was two, three weeks ago."

Allaei said an estimated 3,000 Iranian-Americans live in Minnesota.

The Minneapolis rally is scheduled to start at noon on the plaza between the Hennepin County Government Center and Minneapolis City Hall.