Key Takeaways:
- Mass protests in Iran, sparked by economic collapse and government corruption, have spread globally, with demonstrations in cities like Toronto.
- Protesters are demanding democratic elections, action from governments like Canada, and condemnation of the Iranian regime.
- The Iranian government’s crackdown on protests has resulted in thousands of arrests and deaths, with estimates varying widely.
- The international community, including the European Union and Canada, has taken steps to isolate the Iranian regime, including designating it as a terrorist organization.
- Iranian-Canadians and human rights activists are calling for greater support and action from the Canadian government and the international community to address the human rights crisis in Iran.
Introduction to the Protests
A large crowd of demonstrators gathered in downtown Toronto on Sunday to show solidarity with protesters in Iran, who are fighting against the country’s financial collapse and the regime that led to it. The protests in Iran, which began on December 28, started as a response to soaring prices but quickly turned into wider anti-government protests against the clerical rulers who have governed the country for nearly 50 years. Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators have also taken to the streets in a show of power, in response to protesters challenging the country’s theocracy.
Personal Stories and Concerns
Pooria Shafia, a Toronto-based engineer who attended Sunday’s protest, expressed concerns about his relatives still living in Iran. He noted that it’s been difficult to get in touch with them, and he’s worried about their safety. Shafia’s concerns are shared by many Iranian-Canadians who have family members still living in Iran. The protest in Toronto, which drew over 100,000 demonstrators, advocated for democratic elections in Iran and called for action from the Canadian government, including measures to weaken the regime and deport Islamic Republic officials in Canada.
Government Response and International Community
The Canadian government has been criticized for its response to the protests, with many calling for stronger action against the Iranian regime. Global Affairs Canada declined to comment on whether any measures will be enacted against Iran, instead referring to previously published statements and a social media post condemning the killings of protesters and commending the bravery of the Iranian people. The European Union recently designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of Iran’s armed forces, as a terrorist organization, and Canada did the same in June 2024.
Human Rights Crisis and Death Toll
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that over 49,500 people have been detained in the crackdown, and at least 6,713 people have been killed, the vast majority of them demonstrators. The Iranian government, however, puts the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces, labeling the rest "terrorists." The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the 1979 revolution.
The Role of the Diaspora and International Support
Morvarid Sadinejad, an engineer in Toronto who attended the downtown protest, noted that the diaspora is trying to be the voice of the Iranian people. She emphasized that there is a huge crime against humanity happening, and the international community should not turn a blind eye. Sadinejad called on non-Iranian Canadians to focus on humanity rather than ideology and to join the protests, rather than just observing them. She asked, "Would they have been silent if it was their loved ones, their families, their friends?"
Calls for Action and Support
Shafia noted that he wants people of all backgrounds and religions to come together and be the voice of the oppressed. He criticized the "deafening silence" from those who have been vocal about human rights and massacres in the past but have been quiet about Iran. Shafia emphasized that it’s been difficult to live life normally in Canada knowing what’s happening in Iran, and he urged people to take action and support the protesters. The protesters are calling for democratic elections, an end to the regime’s human rights abuses, and greater support from the international community. As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Canadian government and the international community will respond to the growing crisis.
