Iranian Diaspora in Canada Rallies to Support Uprising at Home

Members of the Iranian diaspora in Canada took to the streets over the weekend, voicing solidarity with those protesting in Iran against the country’s Islamic regime. In Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, demonstrators marched, chanted, and held banners calling for change and the return of Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, who has been in exile in the United States for 47 years.

Katayoon Haghzadeh, a Montreal-based activist, said she attended the rally “to be the voice of Iranians facing violence, detention, and censorship back home.”

Demonstrators highlighted the challenges protesters in Iran are enduring, including a government-imposed internet and phone blackout that has made it difficult to share news of the nationwide uprising.

Since protests erupted on December 28 over economic hardship and political repression, reports indicate at least 72 people have died and over 2,300 detained. Canadian-based protesters urged their government to take stronger action, alongside the recent joint statement from Canada, Australia, and the European Union condemning the violence.

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the crisis, urging Iran to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and free expression without fear of reprisal.

The rallies in Canada underscore the role of the Iranian diaspora in amplifying global awareness of the ongoing struggle in Iran, even as communication with those inside the country remains limited.