A large crowd gathered in Toronto to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people amidst a turbulent period of unrest in their country.
Supporters convened at Sankofa Square to voice their demands for a change in the ruling Islamic regime, joining a series of peaceful protests that have taken place not only in Toronto but across Canada in recent weeks.
The wave of protests in Iran, which started on Dec. 28, was initially triggered by severe economic issues leading to a significant devaluation of the national currency.
Initially focused on economic grievances, the protesters in Iran have shifted their focus towards advocating for a change in leadership, with many expressing their backing for the exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi.
During the Toronto protest, some individuals mentioned their endorsement of potential Western involvement in Iran, particularly in light of the government’s violent suppression of dissent within the nation.
While the Iranian government reports a death toll of over 3,000 since the start of the protests, other sources have estimated a much higher figure of up to 36,500 casualties.