Ukrainian, Iranian communities coming together to protest war and oppression
Iranian- and Ukrainian-Canadians gathered outside the Russian embassy in Ottawa Saturday afternoon, to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the oppression of the Iranian people by the government of Iran.
More than 100 protesters took to the street and drivers honked horns in support as they went by.
Arina Esmaelopour joined the protest to sing with others for peace. The Iranian-Canadian says she hopes Canada and Canadians take a harder line on Iran.
“We want our voice to be heard. We can use our democracy here to be their voice because people are being killed,” Esmaelopour said. “Iran sends them (Russia) drones and things that help them to kill Ukrainian people and they (Russia) supports the regime of Iran.”
Ihor Michalchyshyn, of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, says coming together for a common cause will help focus the public’s attention. He hopes events like this will push the government of Canada to do more to pressure other countries to take a harder line on Russia and Iran.
“We are starting to work together because unfortunately our communities are both seeing the terrible consequences of the genocidal war Russia is waging and Iran is waging war on its own citizens,” Michalchyshyn said. “We are united by the horrific events in our homelands.”
Ukrainian and Iranian protesters agree they have the same goal: freedom for their homelands one day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.