Rallies in Canada over the weekend brought Iranian Canadians and supporters into the streets, with demonstrations reported in Montreal and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in solidarity with people protesting inside Iran. The Canadian events came as Iran faced nearly two weeks of anti-government protests that began over the country’s ailing economy, with reports of an internet blackout and a security crackdown inside Iran. Participants in Montreal marched downtown, chanted against the Islamic Republic, and displayed Iran’s pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag—symbols meant to amplify the message of the demonstrators abroad and keep attention on events in Iran.
Highlights:
- Montreal turnout: The Montreal Gazette described “thousands” marching through Montreal on Saturday afternoon, a...
Rallies in Canada over the weekend brought Iranian Canadians and supporters into the streets, with demonstrations reported in Montreal and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in solidarity with people protesting inside Iran. The Canadian events came as Iran faced nearly two weeks of anti-government protests that began over the country’s ailing economy, with reports of an internet blackout and a security crackdown inside Iran. Participants in Montreal marched downtown, chanted against the Islamic Republic, and displayed Iran’s pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag—symbols meant to amplify the message of the demonstrators abroad and keep attention on events in Iran.
Highlights:
- Montreal turnout: The Montreal Gazette described “thousands” marching through Montreal on Saturday afternoon, alongside similar solidarity rallies reported in Toronto and other major cities worldwide.
- Ottawa appeal: In Ottawa, a small group demonstrated outside the East Block and urged Canada to help protesters in Iran, as authorities there reportedly arrested thousands and killed dozens during the crackdown.
- Internet disruption: CBC reported an internet blackout in Iran while the protests continued, a factor that organizers in Montreal said makes it harder for people outside Iran to follow events and for those inside to communicate.
- French-language coverage: La Presse reported that demonstrations took place in Montreal and “across the country,” with participants voicing concern about the risk of a violent repression by Iran’s ruling authorities.
Perspectives:
- Iranian Montrealers and supporters: Organizers and attendees said they gathered downtown to show solidarity with Iranians protesting inside the country and to keep international attention on events despite communication disruptions reported in Iran. (CBC News)
- Montreal demonstrators aligned with opposition symbols: Some participants framed the rally explicitly as opposition to the Islamic Republic, chanting against the current system and waving Iran’s pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag as a sign associated with opposition to today’s regime. (Montreal Gazette)
- Ottawa protesters seeking policy action: Demonstrators on Parliament Hill called on the Canadian government to support Iran’s anti-government protesters amid reports of arrests and deaths tied to the crackdown. (Ottawa Citizen)
Sources:
- Canadians join global protests in solidarity with Iranian uprising - reddit.com
- Montrealers rally in support of Iranian people amid anti-regime protests, internet blackout in Iran - cbc.ca
- Montrealers rally in support of Iranian people amid anti-regime protests, internet blackout in Iran - CBC - google.com
- Thousands of Montrealers rally in solidarity with anti-government demonstrators in Iran - montrealgazette.com
- Montréal | Des centaines de personnes manifestent en soutien au peuple iranien - lapresse.ca
- Iranians in Ottawa call on Canada to help anti-government protesters in Iran - ottawacitizen.com