Iranian residents of Montreal gathered in the city center on Saturday to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Iran. Recent protests in Iran, initially sparked by economic challenges, have evolved into broader discontent with the current regime. Sara Tamizi, a Montrealer of Iranian descent, emphasized the desire for freedom and democracy among the demonstrators.
The Iranian government’s decision to cut off internet and phone services has raised concerns about potential crackdowns on protesters. Attendees at the Montreal rally, like Donya Ziaee and Hessam Sobhani, expressed worry over the escalating violence in Iran, where individuals are reportedly being targeted for advocating for human rights and freedom.
While obtaining accurate information about the situation in Iran has become more challenging, reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency indicate that at least 65 people have died and over 2,300 have been detained in connection with the protests.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has attributed the unrest to external influences and labeled the participants as rioters. The lack of communication due to the blackout has left many Iranians abroad, like Sobhani, feeling helpless and anxious about the safety of their loved ones.
The growing worry and uncertainty have taken a toll on individuals like Golnaz Shaverdi, who struggles to focus on daily tasks amid concerns for her family in Iran. The rally attendees in Montreal, including Sobhani and Shaverdi, expressed their hopes for a peaceful resolution in Iran and voiced their support for those seeking change within the country.
Despite international pressure and warnings from leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian-Canadians like Bijan Jalali remain cautious about foreign intervention, emphasizing the importance of internal solutions. While some, like Shaverdi, acknowledge the potential benefits of external assistance, sentiments like those of Tamizi highlight the complexity of the situation and the diverse opinions within the Iranian diaspora.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada has condemned the violence against protesters in Iran and called for respect for freedom of expression and assembly. The protesters in Montreal aim for a transition to a more stable and peaceful future for Iran, free from the current regime’s constraints.