Iranian-Montrealers stand in solidarity after death of Mahsa Amini

Montreal’s Iranian community stood in solidarity with those in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She died while in the custody of Iran’s morality police for allegedly wearing a loose hijab.

Banafsheh Cheraghi, one of the organizers of the event says the day was a reflection of what is happening in Iran “they’re doing the real fight. They’re doing the real act.”

With a spark in protests in Iran, the country has shut down internet access, blocking those in Iran from communicating with international communities.

“We’re here to amplify their voices and be their voices right now,” says Shayan Asgharian, part of the Iranian Student Association of Concordia, who was also part of organizing the event.

“Last time the Internet was cut in and around 1,500 people were killed in the span of four days in November of 2019, so it’s more crucial than ever for us to be here right now and amplify their voices,” says Asgharian.

Protesters fiercely, created a human chain, all along Sherbrooke Street, with over a hundred standing in solidarity.

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“We’re all in this together, and we’re not going to give up on the people of Iran. We’re not going to stop. We’re going to be their voice,” says Cheraghi.

A fight that began 44 years ago, has resulted in numerous deaths, the recent protests totalling over 40. Those there stood in silence for 10 minutes as a tribute to the lives lost in Iran. For many in attendance the support was an overwhelming one.

“I genuinely cried. My mother immigrated to Montreal about 43 years ago, and when she saw this, she wept,” said Nadime Rahimian, whose mother has continuously fought for the freedom of Women in Iran.

Rahimian says while she doesn’t think immediate change will occur, she hopes protests like these create more awareness.

“Everybody knows what’s happening and more and more people are going to know about it and I’m hoping, I’m really hoping that some kind of change will happen,” she says.

Her message to the women in Iran protesting is, we stand by your side. With her fist clenched, she says “we are here for you. We hear your voice. It is not being silenced. The longer you fight for this cause, the longer we are going to stand here for you guys. Please do not give up. We are here for you.”