Charlottetown protest shows support for women in Iran

Dozens of people gathered in downtown Charlottetown on Saturday to speak out against women’s rights issues in Iran.

Protests have taken place in and around Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on September 16.

Amini died following her arrest by Iranian vice police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her mandatory headscarf too loosely, which would violate the country’s strict dress code in place since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

None of the Charlottetown protesters felt safe speaking to CBC PEI on camera, fearing repercussions for loved ones in Iran. CBC protects their identities by not showing photos of their faces.

Protesters held up signs with messages of freedom and support for women and people from the LGBTQ community. They said it was their duty to keep the conversation going for those who cannot speak.