On Saturday, thousands of people came together in Richmond Hill, Ont., to support those protesting in Iran against the country’s economic struggles and the government responsible for them.
Soheila Zarrabi, who participated in the noon demonstration at Yonge Street and 16th Avenue, expressed that these protests feel unique compared to previous 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.”
The Associated Press reports that at least 65 individuals have died since protests began in late December over economic issues, which have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
The exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, has shown his support for the protesters and called for demonstrations on Thursday and Friday nights.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled the demonstrators as “terrorists,” claiming they act “in order to please the president of the United States.”
According to The Associated Press, the government has cut off internet access and blocked international phone calls. Over 2,300 individuals have been arrested.
York Regional Police informed CBC Toronto on Sunday that they estimate more than 10,000 people attended Saturday’s demonstration in Richmond Hill.
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Expert Highlights Iranians’ Sacrifices for Their Cause
Lily Pourzand, an activist from the Iranian community and a specialist in 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.” Pourzand mentioned that internet blackouts have historically been used as a tool against dissenters. “It’s not about luxury now; it’s about human rights, it’s about safety and it’s about their voice that needs to be heard and footage that needs to be seen by the whole world,” she said. “We know that violence will escalate; stories will be twisted, and in reality it’s the people who will lose their lives.” Salar Gholami, one of the organizers of the march in Richmond Hill, shared his concern as he hasn’t heard from his parents or siblings still living in Iran.> “We are so sad and mad,” he said.> Demonstrator Alex Family expressed hope during an interview with CBC Toronto on Saturday that this would be their last protest for freedom.> “The world hasn’t heard the message from young people in Iran for far too long,” he said. “[The regime has] been using our country’s wealth to finance terrorism and create instability both regionally and globally.”> “Long live Iran. Long live the world. Long live freedom to all.”>Source link
