'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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.