The City of Vaughan held a vigil on Saturday afternoon to remember those who have lost their lives since protests against the government began in Iran at the end of last year.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca mentioned that the city has a large Iranian Canadian community that is currently “heartbroken.”
“They are here to cry, they are here to mourn, they are here to grieve, and they are here to remember those who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom,” he told CBC Toronto. “I am proud to stand with [them].”
Protests have swept across Iran since late December, triggered by an ongoing economic crisis that has caused the country’s currency to plummet. While protesters initially focused on economic issues, many shifted their demands towards ending Iran’s Islamic Republic, with some calling for the restoration of the monarchy.
The Iranian government has responded with a crackdown on demonstrations and an internet blackout, claiming that over 3,000 people have died since protests began.
The U. S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known for accurately reporting death counts during previous unrest in Iran, estimates that more than 7,000 people have died.
A crowd gathered in Vaughan City Hall’s courtyard on Saturday, which was filled with tea lights, candles, flowers and photographs of loved ones who were lost.
Mike Zali, an Iranian Canadian present at the vigil, expressed his hope for saving his home country where all his family still lives.
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Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca said the city is home to a large Iranian Canadian community which is now ‘heartbroken.’ (Brice Petitfils/CBC)
Roshanak Momeni Harabi shared her concern about not being able to reach her family in Iran due to safety issues and ongoing internet disruptions. She hopes Canada will take action against those responsible for the killings.
“I’m asking for freedom for Iran and for all the Iranians inside and outside of Iran,” she said. “We don’t want any censorship.”
Del Duca supported this message by saying he wishes all civilized nations would unite to defend democracy and provide freedom.
“The people of Iran deserve to be free,” he said. “I know that Canada can play an important role and I hope to see that role played over the next number of days, weeks and years.”
“Now is the time for everyone who believes in freedom and democracy in Iran to stand together in solidarity,” he added. “I will always stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the Iranian community.”
This month earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand announced that Canada would impose new sanctions against seven individuals linked to Iranian state entities.
“Canada is implementing these sanctions to address Iran’s use of transnational repression, violence and repressive tactics,” stated officials. “The imposition of these sanctions sends a clear message that Canada will not tolerate the Iranian regime’s attempts to intimidate, harm or silence voices inside or outside Iran.”
The statement noted concerns about how Iran uses proxy agents and criminal networks abroad as part of efforts against critics through harassment and planned acts of violence in Europe and North America.</pp
“These actions threaten the sovereignty of other states and undermine principles related to international law as well as global peace and security.”</pp
In June 2024, Canada also designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
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