Protests for women’s rights in Iran at the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly

As protests rage in Iran for women’s rights, Regina residents are doing their part to show their support.

More than 100 community members gathered outside the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Saturday to rally for justice, women’s rights and human rights in Iran.

“Our brothers and sisters back home are fighting wholeheartedly and with their bare hands against the Islamic regime,” said Shiva Souri, an Iranian student who has lived in Canada for a year and a half.

« It’s the only thing we can do as a foreign country because we have the privilege of speaking with our voices and speaking on their behalf and asking the people who have the power to tell the world what’s going on. in Iran. »

Iranians have been actively protesting against the Islamic regime for over a month now and during that time the regime has shut down the internet across the country, arrested protesters and killed hundreds of people, some as young as 15.

« I could put my family in danger because we witnessed a protest, » speaking of the regime’s grip not only in Iran, but also outside the country, » Souri said. « We are under pressure , we’re tied up and stressed every morning we wake up. »

While the anger against the regime was strong for Souri this weekend, she also feels immense pride.

« I don’t feel helpless anymore, » she said. « I feel like I have a mountain behind me and each of us feels the same. Our voices will act.

For Zahra Mansoureh Darzi, an Iranian who has been in Canada for 31 years, it is difficult for Canadians to fully understand the regime’s control over the Iranian people, but protests like today’s are slowly beginning to educate Canadians. people.

« If you want to take your dog out, you don’t have that freedom, » Darzi said. “If I want to dance or if I want to sing… it’s not allowed under the Islamic regime. So many little things beyond our imagination here that we can’t believe.

Darzi’s husband was executed in 1998 when she was only two months pregnant, after he spoke out against the regime sending 15-year-olds to war. It’s something that comes to mind throughout the event.

“He only asked for freedom and justice. They killed him because they were afraid the truth would come out. I can’t even express how I feel at that moment.

For Darzi and Souri, the final feeling about what needs to happen was the same.

« The one and only solution is revolution, » Souri said.

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