Trudeau joins Ottawa residents for 'human chain' protest in support of the people of Iran
There was a powerful display of solidarity for the people of Iran in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon.
Hundreds of people gathered to speak out against the country’s repressive regime, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"It is painful and so difficult for me because we are here safe and sound, and people in Iran are getting killed for their very basic human rights," said one protester.
Many had tears in their eyes and were holding signs saying, "Mahsa Amini", the 22-year-old woman who died while in the custody of the so-called morality police in Iran. It’s a unit that enforces mandatory headscarves for women and girls in the country.
"It’s been so many years and we haven’t had the support that our people need," Ottawa resident Minoo Henry said. "This is not the first time that this regime is killing Iranians and it’s not the first time that human rights is being completely ignored by this government."
The country has used violent tactics to silence protestors within Iran.
Trudeau joined the crowd in support of speaking out against human rights violations.
“We will stand with you, I will march with you, and I will hold hands with you," Trudeau said. "We will continue to stand with this beautiful community and demonstrate to the world that we will not forget Mahsa Amini."
Many at the march have loved ones and close family within the country.
"It’s not good," said Marjan Qazavi, who has family in Iran. "I don’t have access to them at all because of the Internet shut down and I don’t have any access to them."
Qazavi describes a shared feeling of grief when she is able to connect with her family.
"Sometimes I call my sister and we just cry without any words because it’s not a good time for any of us," said Qazavi.
The group marched from the National Gallery of Canada to the Alexandra Bridge, which connects Ottawa and Gatineau.
Trudeau joined the group in forming a human chain
Traffic was diverted from the area, with blockades set up by Ottawa police.
Demonstrations were held in 10 cities across Canada as part of a worldwide "human chain" organized by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.