Montrealers call on Canada to recognize Iran’s IRGC as terror group

The Iranian Montreal community protested Saturday at Place des Festivals to show support for the ongoing protests happening in Iran against the country’s leadership.

Since the death of Mahsa Amini more than 120 days ago, which ignited protests globally and within Iran, there have been violent crackdowns by the country’s regime.

Many have been arrested or executed, including journalists, activists, and students.

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The protesters gathered Saturday calling on the Canadian government to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard of Iran (IRGC) – a branch of the Iranian armed forces – as a terrorist organization.

“We as the Iranian community in Montreal, it’s our duty, our responsibility, to come here every week… and support the Iranian movement,” protest organizer Bijan Jalali said.

“Until the Iranian regime is in power, we are here in the streets of Montreal and all over the world to support the Iranian movement against the government.”

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Earlier this week, the European Parliament voted to urge Brussels to list the IRGC as a terror group, but Canada has not made a decision thus far.

Those in Montreal say they will continue to have the voices of those in Iran heard.

WATCH: Montrealers protest violent crackdown in Iran (Dec. 17, 2022) 

Protesters said with the increased violence by the Iranian regime, it is now more than ever important to have their voices highlighted.

“Fortunately Montreal has been one of the steadiest and most perseverant of those cities,” said Amir Khadir, former Quebec solidaire co-spokesperson. “The Iranian community of Montreal sometimes twice, three times a week had actions during these months. Our demand to the Canadian government is just be listening to these demands.

“All political and economic lines and links between Canada and the Iranian regime must be cut in order for Iran to find the opportunity to topple their own government without foreign intervention. Because that’s the last thing the Iranian people need.”

—With files from Felisha Adam and Maryam Azimzade