Hundreds of people gathered at Parliament Hill Sunday afternoon to once again show support for the people of Iran and to demand a regime change in the Middle Eastern nation. Many at the rally say they have family currently in the country. Soorena Noori says he’s struggled to keep in touch with his parents due to internet blackouts and communication hurdles. “It was actually two days ago after the internet blackout shutdown that they called me for about 45 seconds and they said don’t worry about us, we are alive,” said Noori, who was at the rally on Sunday. “That was devastating because I was happy to hear their voice, but at the same time I was feeling paralyzed that I can’t do anything from here.” The hundreds of protestors gathered at Parliament Hill waving flags and then marching through the streets of Ottawa where there was rolling road closures. “I am very sad for my people that are being murdered by this regime, but at the same time I am hopeful because this is the only time that we have had some support from the outside world and President Trump has said that he will help Iran,” said Negar Movahedi, who was at the rally. U.S. President Donald Trump says the U.S. and Iran are seriously talking amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has built up its naval presence in the Middle East after Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with intervention if the country did not agree to a nuclear deal or failed to stop killing protestors. According to state media, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni said if the U.S. attacks Iran, it would create a regional conflict. “‘Everyone here is just trying to be the voice of the people and asking for the politicians to take action,” said Ben Aryana, a rally organizer. Similar protests were held in Montreal and Toronto demanding the fall of the Islamic regime. Back in Ottawa, the protestors finished the rally at Ottawa City Hall. “Be the voice of the people,” said Aryana. “This is the final battle. It is time to stand with the people of Iran for their freedom and for making the whole region and the whole world a safer place.”
