Thousands of people gathered in downtown Toronto Sunday, for a rally marking 100 years since the Ottoman-era killing of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians.
The killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks around the time of the First World War is considered by many historians to be the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey, however, insists the death toll has been exaggerated, and that the dead were victims of civil war and unrest in the region.
On Sunday, approximately one dozen Turkish protesters staged a counter-demonstration at Queen's Park, waving Turkish flags, but not interrupting the rally that started shortly after 1 p.m.
Many in attendance, including Defence Minister Jason Kenney, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto Mayor John Tory, appeared to support the event. Police estimate that at least 5,000 people gathered at Queen's Park.
Commemorating and honouring the victims of the Armenian Genocide. pic.twitter.com/YZ95AZpTqD
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 19, 2015Spoke at #Toronto event commemorating the centenary of the #Armenian Genocide. We have a duty to remember. pic.twitter.com/bxFQMOScZz
— Jason Kenney ن (@jkenney) April 19, 2015CDN film legend & Armenian-Canadian Atom Egoyan delivers keynote address at Armenian Genocide Centennial #TOpoli pic.twitter.com/Chhijj1HbN
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 19, 2015The rally also brought together people from different communities who have suffered in mass atrocities during the last century.
"On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we want to come together as one large community of groups who have been touched by genocide," Garen Megerditchian, an organizer of the event, said in a statement released over the weekend. "We want to stand up united against the crime of genocide."
United against all #Genocide #ArmenianGenocide #Toronto #TurkeyFailed pic.twitter.com/9p1Y6xRLFs
— Robin Bedrosian (@RoupenArmen) April 19, 2015
With files from The Canadian Press
