Thousands attend Vancouver rally in solidarity with Iranian Mahsa Amini

Thousands of British Columbians took part in a rally in Vancouver on Saturday afternoon.

The large group of protesters gathered in solidarity over the death of 22-year-old Iranian woman Mahsa Amini and the ongoing protests in Iran. She died while in the custody of Iran’s « morals police » for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely.

« We want Canadians and everyone around the world to be our voice to influence politicians, it’s not just about gathering in the streets so we can channel that energy and sign the petitions, » said Dr. Kathy Rahnavardi, a Freedom Rally for Iran. spokesperson.

Rally participants created a human chain that stretched from the Vancouver Art Gallery to Stanley Park.

People were encouraged to wear white out of solidarity.

Iranian police say Amini died of a heart attack and was not abused, but her family have cast doubt on that account. Independent experts affiliated with the United Nations said on Thursday that reports suggested she had been severely beaten by morality police, without providing evidence.

Demonstrations of support have spread around the world, including in Canada, where some women have taken to cutting their hair in solidarity. It turned into a viral movement on social media.

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Halifax holds rally to call for freedom in Iran

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– With files from Simon Little of Global News, Negar Mojtahedi and Associated Press