Montreal residents of Iranian descent gathered in the city center on Saturday to express solidarity with the ongoing protests in Iran. The demonstrations in Iran initially sparked due to economic challenges and have since evolved into broader discontent with the ruling regime. Sara Tamizi emphasized the collective desire for freedom and democratic principles among the Montreal Iranian community.
Recent actions in Iran, including internet and phone line disruptions, have raised concerns of escalated violence and crackdowns on protesters. Donya Ziaee and Hessam Sobhani, who participated in the Montreal rally, highlighted the grave situation in Iran, where individuals are facing severe consequences for advocating for rights and freedoms.
Reports suggest a rising death toll and numerous detentions in Iran amid the ongoing turmoil. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, attributed the protests to external influences and labeled participants as rioters and foreign-backed agents. The lack of communication due to the internet blackout has left families and friends in Iran isolated, as expressed by Sobhani and Golnaz Shaverdi, who are anxious about the safety of their loved ones.
Despite international warnings and condemnations, including remarks from President Donald Trump, the Iranian authorities have issued severe threats against protesters. The Iranian attorney general’s declaration of protesters as enemies of God, punishable by death, has added to the gravity of the situation. Some individuals at the Montreal rally voiced concerns about foreign intervention, emphasizing the importance of Iranians leading their own path to change.
Participants like Bijan Jalali, a long-time resident of Canada originating from Iran, underscored the need for internal solutions without external interference. While many rally attendees expressed a desire for self-initiated change in Iran, they acknowledged the challenges faced by those on the ground and the potential need for external support in the current crisis. The sentiment of being a voice for those in Iran was shared among the Montreal protesters, including Sara Tamiza, who emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with the aspirations of her compatriots.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, via X, condemned the violence against protesters in Iran and called for respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The demonstrators in Montreal aspire for a peaceful transition in Iran to pave the way for stability and economic prosperity in the country.