Chants of 'Freedom for Iran' and 'Justice for Iran' rang out as crowds, many waving flags, marched through the downtown streets. Organizer Tamineh Sadeghi said there were no plans to stop appearing every Saturday, saying the demonstrators' persistence stemmed from their relationship with loved ones in Iran and their commitment to their ultimate cause.
"That's why we see, every week, no matter what, they come and they show their support for the Iranian people because many of these people still have families at home or they leave and come back. So that's why they are aiming – until the end of the regime – to be on the road and support the Iranian movement," he told CTV News.
Thousands of Iranians began taking to the streets across the country following the death of 22-Amini in mid-September. The 22-year-old woman died two days after she was arrested by Iran's moral police for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely. Solidarity rallies, such as the one that has drawn thousands to the Vancouver Art Gallery over the past four Saturdays, have been held in cities around the world. "Support for Iran is growing, and we see the Canadian government, for example, voicing the voice of the Iranian people," Sadeghi said.
Prime Minister John Horgan issued a statement earlier this week, expressing solidarity with protesters in B.C. etc. "Iranian women, and people around the world who support them, call for justice, freedom and the right to choose their religious expression," she wrote.
For many British Columbians who have family and friends in Iran, this is a very difficult time. The courage of Iranian women and their allies reminds us that we must stand together to support women's rights – across generations, genders and geographies.”
On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that more than 10,000 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards would be forever banned from Canada, and told a news conference that his government plans to "massively expand the targeted sanctions." Sadeghi said protesters in Iran stood against the regime at tremendous personal risk, and said protesters in Canada had an obligation to continue to show up and "be a voice" for those who were silenced. "We need to support Iranians who lost their lives on the road. Most of them are young," he said.
The nationwide demonstrations have marked the biggest challenge to Iran's clerical leaders in years. Women have removed their veils in defiance of the cleric's stance while angry mobs have called for the fall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The crackdown was swift and brutal and clashes between Iranian protesters and security forces have turned deadly. Internet access has been restricted across the country to try to prevent further organizing.
On Saturday, Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 185 people had died in the protests, including at least 19 children.