A significant number of protestors gathered in the downtown area on Sunday to show support for the ongoing demonstrations in Iran, which are driven by economic hardships and opposition to the ruling regime.
The protests in Iran began on December 28 due to escalating prices but evolved into broader anti-government movements against the longstanding clerical leaders. Concurrently, a large number of pro-government supporters have also taken to the streets to display their loyalty to the ruling theocracy.
One attendee at the Toronto protest, Pooria Shafia, expressed his anxiety about family members residing in Iran. He shared his hesitance to inquire about their well-being, fearing the potential distressing news he might receive.
The Toronto demonstration, advocating for democratic elections in Iran, drew an estimated “well over 100,000 demonstrators,” according to the Toronto Police Service. The event progressed from Sankofa Square to Queen’s Park, leading to traffic disruptions as warned by the police.
Participants at the protest called for action from the Canadian government, urging measures to undermine the Iranian regime, deport officials of the Islamic Republic in Canada, and prevent negotiations with the United Nations.
Reports from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency indicated over 49,500 detentions and at least 6,713 fatalities, mostly among protestors. The death toll remains unverified due to Iran’s internet blackout imposed by authorities.
The diaspora, represented by individuals like Morvarid Sadinejad, emphasized the urgency of speaking out against the atrocities in Iran and urged non-Iranian Canadians to join the cause for humanity. She highlighted the importance of raising awareness and not remaining indifferent to the ongoing crisis.
Shafia echoed the sentiment, calling for solidarity across diverse backgrounds to advocate for the oppressed in Iran. He lamented the challenges of balancing daily life in Canada with the distressing events unfolding in his home country.