Demonstrations in Calgary underscore divisions among Iranians following military action

Two separate rallies at city hall highlight the differences within Calgary's Iranian community to the U.S. Israeli attacks on that country. Kevin Green reports.

Two separate demonstrations in front of Calgary city hall on Sunday underscored deep divisions among Iranian Calgarians over the joint U.S.-Israeli military action in Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

About 150 people, including members of Calgary’s Shia Muslim community and peace activists, gathered Sunday morning for an angry but peaceful protest against the attack. Demonstrators chanted slogans including “shame, shame Trump shame shame, Trump” and said they were worried about civilian casualties and the conflict spreading through the Middle East.

Riyaz Khawaja, a spokesperson for Voice of Oppression Calgary, said, “I don’t think any country has a right to go invade another country and take their leaders.”

Khawaja also said, “Any war brings destruction.”

Saima Jamal, who said she attended to call for unity and an end to war, said, “I just wanted everyone to come together and say no to another new war.”

Jamal said she believes a forced regime change would not end well, telling supporters of military action.

“Nothing good is ever going to come out of it.”

Just over an hour after the morning protest ended, a much larger crowd gathered in city hall plaza, with participants singing, dancing and celebrating the death of Khamenei. People waved Canadian, American and Israeli flags, along with the pre-revolution Iranian flag featuring the lion and sun.

One attendee in the crowd said, “the biggest part we ever have in 47 years we are so happy.”

Hafez Balavi said he was “very, very happy,” adding, “Oh, absolutely, the dictator is eliminated. We are so happy, and hopefully we will get our freedom back.”

“People are so happy because he was the head of the whole system,” Balavi said. “This news of Khamenei’s death was the best news any Iranian could have received.” said rally organizer Armin Zarringhalam.

Dr. Lida Shadabi, credited U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the strikes.

“We are celebrating that one evil is out, and we are going to deal with the rest,” said Shadabi.

“We will not rest until we succeed.”

Organizers of the celebration said they want Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former shah of Iran, to lead a transition.

Police and bylaw officers were on hand for both rallies. Both ended peacefully.