Organizers Call for Canada’s Support Amid ‘National Crisis’
Participants marched along Yonge Street accompanied by drums and chants of “King Reza Pahlavi.” Many waved and wrapped themselves in red, white, and green flags featuring a golden lion – a symbol from before the Islamic Republic took power in 1979 when it overthrew the former monarchy. The demonstrators demanded an end to government oppression in Iran as many protests within the country have faced severe crackdowns. PHOTOS | Toronto police estimated 200,000 attendees at the solidarity march in North York: In a letter obtained by CBC Toronto, organizers of the demonstration urged Canada’s government to take timely and constructive action regarding Iran’s ongoing national crisis. “For over four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has ruled through systemic repression, widespread human rights violations, political violence, and denial of fundamental freedoms,” it stated. “Its political, moral, and legal legitimacy has been irreversibly eroded – this is evident both inside Iran and across international communities.” CBC Toronto reached out for comments from Global Affairs Canada. Toronto police projected more than 200,000 participants would join Saturday’s rally on Yonge Street. Authorities preemptively closed roads including parts of Yonge Street and North York Boulevard due to anticipated traffic disruptions from the protest. “If you don’t need to be around today or aren’t part of this event or have another reason to be there, it’s best to stay away,” said Toronto police spokesperson Viktor Sarudi. He also mentioned attendees shouldn’t expect convenient parking nearby. Sarudi indicated that Toronto police are collaborating with York Regional Police Service to ensure safety at the rally. The estimate of 200,000 participants was partly based on discussions with event organizers. WATCH | What you should know about various Iranian flags appearing at protests: The facts about Iran protest flags Different versions of Iranian flags have emerged during worldwide protests. Here’s what each one represents. “And it’s due to trends observed from past attendance at these types of solidarity events along with online momentum this issue is gaining and similar gatherings happening across other cities both within North America and globally,” he added.Pushing for Change Against Iran’s Islamic Republic
This rally is among many organized worldwide on Saturday as part of what Pahlavi referred to as a global day of action. He noted that Toronto, Munich, and Los Angeles would be central locations where Iranians abroad could gather in protest against regime changes needed in Iran. Iran has faced widespread unrest since late December triggered by an economic crisis leading its currency into decline. Initially focused on economic issues, protesters shifted their demands towards dismantling Iran’s Islamic Republic while some called for restoring the ousted monarchy. The Iranian government has cracked down severely on protests while implementing internet blackouts; they claim more than 3,000 individuals have lost their lives since demonstrations began. The U. S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported over 7,000 deaths based on previous counts during earlier unrests in Iran.This Saturday’s event follows two weeks after a significant protest at Sankofa Square in Toronto where police estimated attendance at around 150,000 people.
There were calls made there for international intervention concerning conditions within Iran alongside demands aimed at ending governmental oppression.
“It hurts deeply knowing our friends and family back home face imprisonment without cause or being shot simply for voicing democratic opinions,” stated Nima Najafi.
Najafi attended both demonstrations explaining he felt Saturday’s turnout was double that size.
Jasmin Zandi who identifies as an Iranian Canadian participated for her fifth time said her brother works as a doctor back home.
“Seeing images online is one thing but witnessing things firsthand takes its toll,” she remarked adding “He’s very strong… But each time he calls us now he’s emotional; tears fill his voice.”
Zandi emphasized why unity matters during conversations with CBC Toronto stating,
“It’s crucial we amplify our voices alongside theirs,” she asserted.”We stand united feeling their pain.”
The TTC provided updates indicating service alerts ahead related specifically surrounding this gathering:
36 Finch West will detour via Sheppard Avenue E., Beecroft Road and Finch Avenue E. 42 Cummer & 53 Steeles East will reroute via Willowdale Avenue & Bishop Avenue. 60 Steeles West &960 Steeles West Express will detour utilizing Steeles Avenue E., Willowdale Avenue &Bishop Avenue. 97 Yonge will experience no services between Hilda Avenue at Steeles Avenue W., also affecting Yonge St. at Sheppard Ave. W. 125 Drewry sees reroutes through Cactus Ave., Steeles Ave. E., Willowdale Ave.&Finch Ave. E. 185 Sheppard Central deviates using Kenneth Ave, Garden Ave, Dudley Rd,&Sheppard Av. E. 939B Finch Express change routes through Willowdale Avenues onto Sheppard Avenues then Senlac Road.A social media update revealed that Yonge St. would be blocked off heading southbound commencing from Steele Aves. for demonstration activities while further reports later confirmed Steele Aves. is open once again flowing both directions smoothly now!
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