Updated

Around 18,000 people gathered in Frankfurt, Germany, to show support for Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Iranian monarch ousted in 1979, as he received the 'Freedom Prize' in the city, Deutsche Welle reported on Friday. Factions within the Iranian opposition have accused Pahlavi of not distancing himself from his father's rule, and the turnout shows he retains a significant following in Germany. Deutsche Welle also reported that Germany's defense minister believes military conscription will not be needed. The report did not give details on the timing of the events or on any further appearances.