Germany news: Frankfurt braces for Iran protests

An appearance by Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi is expected to trigger demonstrations in Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Germany's defense minister says he believes military conscription will not be needed. DW has more.

The city of Frankfurt am Main is bracing for another day of protests and traffic disruption on Saturday, with large numbers of Iranians expected to hold protests and counterprotests. Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, under whose autocratic rule Iran was governed from 1941 to 1979, was expected to attend a large demonstration in the city's Ostpark and possibly speak there. Barriers, loudspeaker towers and a stage have already been set up at the park, which is to be the final destination of a march by demonstration participants.

Counterprotests are also expected amid criticism of Pahlavi's presence by Iranian organizations, people held in prison under his father's rule and a number of leftist German parties.