Saskatchewan’s Iranian community calls for gov’t support to help people in Tehran

Saskatchewan’s Iranian-Canadian community rallied at the Legislative Building calling for the Canadian government’s support to help people in Tehran. (Sierra D'Souza Butts/CTV News)

Saskatchewan’s Iranian-Canadian community rallied at the Legislative Building on Sunday calling for Ottawa’s support to help the people of Tehran.

Around 50 members of the Iranian community in Regina gathered in solidarity with those protesting for freedom in their home country.

“They expect us to be their voice so we are here showing [our] solidarity with them and we expect Canada to be our voice,” expressed Dariush Davoodi, a member of Regina’s Iranian community.

“We need freedom. We are fighting for democracy.”

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Since December, a major wave of anti-government protests have taken place across Iran. The Islamic Republic, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has remained in power since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The struggle for freedom and criticism of the current regime has created ripple effects beyond Iran’s borders. In Canada, Iranians have protested at major political spaces.

“They blocked off the internet to not allow to spread the news. We didn’t know anything about our family and our friends in Iran,” shared Mel Pourya, another resident in Regina.

“We are asking the countries like USA or Canada, just be the voice of Iranian people are supportive and we want the military act. We want the military aid to help Iranian people.”