'A fight for basic human rights': UVic students hold rally for Iran
Students at the University of Victoria held a rally in support of Iranian protesters on Wednesday afternoon.
The students were calling for regime change and for basic human rights following months of brutal crackdowns on anti-government protests in the country.
One UVic student who didn't want to be identified out of fear of retribution says it's difficult to watch the movement from afar.
"This is no longer a fight about hijabs," she said. "This is a fight for basic human rights."
According to activists in Iran, more than 400 people have been killed during the protests.
"Seeing all these bright, young individuals being murdered because they dare to stand up for what they believe in really makes me feel survivor's guilt that I get to be here in a country with all the freedom they aren’t afforded," said the student.
The demonstration at UVic was fueled by outrage over the death of Massa Amini, a 22-year-old who died in custody after being arrested by Iran's morality police because her hijab was allegedly too loose.
One student who moved to Victoria two years ago says it could've been her.
"Every time someone from the morality police passes by, I feel like I recoil in terror because what if they just push me in their van? What if I end up in jail?" said student Stareh Alipour Kashi.
UVic students are pictured at a rally for Iran on Nov. 30, 2022. (CTV News)
Amini is being mourned globally, with rallies forming in Canada, Australia, England, France and beyond.
There have even been clashes in Qatar, where World Cup attendees are showing their support for women in Iran, and facing pushback.
The unrest in Iran is weighing heavily on students at UVic, though people who were at the rally hope their demonstration shows the people of Iran that they are not alone, and puts more pressure on the government to change.
"I'm worried about my family, my friends, who live there and who cannot travel or they have hard time [leaving] Iran," said UVic student Arian Aminalroaya.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.