Rally in Richmond Hill Supports Protesters in Iran

Over 1,000 protesters came together in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Saturday to express their support for those demonstrating in Iran against the nation’s economic struggles and the government responsible for them.

Soheila Zarrabi, who participated in the noon protest at Yonge Street and 16th Avenue, mentioned that these protests feel different from past ones.

“This revolution is a real revolution. And it’s not about economy. It is about freedom,” she told CBC Toronto Saturday. “They want to have the voice, they want to control their own country.”

According to The Associated Press, at least 65 individuals have lost their lives during protests that began in late December over economic issues but have evolved into broader opposition against the government.

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s exiled shah, has voiced his support for the protests and called for gatherings on Thursday and Friday nights.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has referred to protesters-whom state media label as “terrorists”-as acting “in order to please the president of the United States.”

The Associated Press reported that authorities have cut off internet access and blocked international calls. Over 2,300 people have been arrested.

Expert: Iranians Are ‘Sacrificing’ Lives for Change

Lily Pourzand, an activist within the Iranian community focusing on women’s rights, stated that protesters have a clear message.

“[Iranians] are done with this system and they want the regime and the system to be changed,” she said Saturday. “They are sacrificing their life and freedom for that.”

Poorzand noted that internet blackouts have historically been used as a means of control.

“It’s not about luxury now; it’s about human rights, it’s about safety and it’s about their voice which needs to be heard along with footage that should be seen by everyone,” she explained.

“We know that violence will escalate; stories will be twisted-and ultimately it’s the people who will lose their lives.”

Salar Gholami, who helped organize the march in Richmond Hill, expressed concern as he hasn’t heard from his family back in Iran.

“We are so sad and mad,” he said.

Demonstrator Alex Family shared with CBC Toronto Saturday that he’s hopeful this will be their last protest for freedom.

“The world hasn’t heard the message from young people in Iran for far too long,” he remarked. “[The regime has] been using our country’s wealth to fund terrorism and instability both regionally and globally.”

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