Montrealers rally in support of Iranian people amid anti-regime protests, internet blackout in Iran
CBC
Iranian Montrealers rallied in the downtown core Saturday afternoon in a show of support for the people of Iran.
Over the past two weeks, the country has been rocked by massive protests that began over Iran's ailing economy and continue to be fueled by anger toward the regime.
"We want freedom, we want freedom of choices and a democratic system, that’s what we all want," said Iranian Montrealer Sarah Tamizi.
On Thursday, internet and phone lines were cut, isolating the Islamic Republic and stoking fears of intensified repression on those taking part in protests.
"We know that every time there is a blackout, it only means one thing. There's going to be more bloodshed, more arrests," said Donya Ziae, who attended Saturday's rally in Montreal.
Hessam Sobhani, who was also in attendance, said people are being killed in Iran just because they are seeking freedom and human rights.
While gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the death toll from the protests has grown to at least 65 people, with more than 2,300 others detained.
Meanwhile, in a speech delivered in Tehran on Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, blamed the demonstrations on rioters and people acting as "mercenaries for foreigners."
Sobhani said that because of the internet blackout, people in Iran are being silenced.
"So we are coming here to be the people of Iran's voice," he said.
Sobhani added that the lack of communication with loved ones has been extremely difficult.
"We don't have any connection with them," he said. "We don't know what will happen for them and we are so stressed in this situation."
The constant worry is permeating other spheres of Sobhani's life, making it hard to be productive.
"I don't have any focus on working, and how can I work? How can I focus on my job?" he wondered.
Some people from a northern Saskatchewan reserve were left without phone landline and internet services for weeks, and wonder why it took so long for SaskTel to address the issue.
Alberta’s rate cap is deepening financial losses in the province's auto insurance market, industry experts say, as a new report found auto insurers lost more than $1.2 billion in 2024.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says an atmospheric river will take aim at British Columbia's south coast this weekend as heavy rain continues to batter the north coast.
Islanders packed into the temporary location for the Charlottetown Farmers' Market Saturday, marking the first day operating on North River Road in the former Sporting Intentions space.
More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Richmond Hill, Ont., Saturday to show solidarity to protesters in Iran, fighting against the country’s financial collapse and the regime that led to it.
The City of Toronto began its first pothole repair blitz of the year Friday with crews working to fill potholes across the city overnight and into Saturday.
One of the best gifts Cameron Eckert got for Christmas was a sighting of four white-tailed ptarmigan.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, along with City of Calgary officials, will provide an update at 1 p.m. Saturday on the work to repair the ruptured Bearspaw south feeder main.
As Kaschechwan First Nation navigates a water crisis, families are having to get by with one case of water bottles per day.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for much of the Maritimes, beginning Sunday morning.
Organizers of a long-running food and wine show that showcases the country's best booze aren't letting a growing trend that sees Canadians drinking less alcohol stop the London event.
Robert Grenier, an archaeologist known for pioneering underwater exploration, has died.
In just over a month, millions of Canadians will be gathering to watch ice hockey at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.