Iranian Montrealers rallied in the downtown core Saturday afternoon in a show of support for the people of Iran.
Over the past two weeks, the country has been rocked by massive protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy and continue to be fueled by anger toward the regime.
“We want freedom, we want freedom of choices and a democratic system, that’s what we all want,” said Iranian Montrealer Sarah Tamizi.
On Thursday, internet and phone lines were cut, isolating the Islamic Republic and stoking fears of intensified repression on those taking part in protests.
“We know that every time there is a blackout, it only means one thing. There’s going to be more bloodshed, more arrests,” said Donya Ziae, who attended Saturday’s rally in Montreal.
Hessam Sobhani, who was also in attendance, said people are being killed in Iran just because they are seeking freedom and human rights.
While gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the death toll from the protests has grown to at least 65 people, with more than 2,300 others detained.
Meanwhile, in a speech delivered in Tehran on Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blamed the demonstrations on rioters and people acting as “mercenaries for foreigners.”
Sobhani said that because of the internet blackout, people in Iran are being silenced.
“So we are coming here to be the people of Iran’s voice,” he said.
Sobhani added that the lack of communication with loved ones has been extremely difficult.
“We don’t have any connection with them,” he said. “We don’t know what will happen for them and we are so stressed in this situation.”
The constant worry is permeating other spheres of Sobhani’s life, making it hard to be productive.
“I don’t have any focus on working, and how can I work? How can I focus on my job?” he wondered.
Montrealers rally in support of Iranian people as anti-regime protests rock Iran
Golan Shaverdi expressed similar feelings, hoping family members in Iran are keeping safe.
“In the middle of the night, I wake up, I just check the news,” she said. “I want to know what’s going to happen and it’s keeping my mind busy all the time. I’m not functional anymore.”
On Saturday, Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty.
This despite threats by American President Donald Trump warning Iran about cracking down on the anti-regime protests.
On Friday, he told reporters in Washington that “if they start killing people as they have in the past, we’ll get involved.”
“Not boots on the ground, but hitting them where it hurts,” he said.
Some of those taking part in the Montreal rally worry about foreign intervention.
That’s the case for Bijan Jalali who left Iran for Canada some 40 years ago not long after the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
“This is our fight, ” he said, adding he’s against foreign military intervention or a regime change that is orchestrated by outside actors and imposed on the people.
“We don’t believe in any intervention from the foreign powers, whoever they are,” Jalali said, adding he fears what the outcome of that would be.
Others were more nuanced in their answers.
“At the bottom of my heart, I want people in Iran to be able to have the change by themselves,” Shaverdi said.
She added, however, that those demonstrating on the streets of Iran and risking their lives might be hoping for some help.
“If there is any chance that anyone can help them, I would not say no,” she said.
Sobhani echoed the sentiment.
“I do not agree with foreign [intervention],” he said, “But maybe they need some help to get rid of this situation because we need to be realistic, not idealistic.”
Iranian Montrealer Sarah Tamiza said she wasn’t convinced outside help would make a difference but still wanted to give a voice to her family and friends back home.
“Any other help won’t bring us democracy but still I’m here just to be a voice of my nation. Whatever they want I follow them,” she said.
On X, formerly Twitter, Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote: “Canada strongly condemns the killing of protesters, and urges Iran to allow for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.”
Protesters here are hopeful for an end to the current regime, so the country can work towards peace and economic stability.
