‘I just want my people to be freed’: Ottawa-area residents watching situation in Middle East closely

An Iranian refugee living in Chelsea, Que. says communication with family and friends in the country has been sparse. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

As the situation in the Middle East unfolds following the United States and Israel’s attacks in Iran, one Iranian refugee, who has made her home in the nation’s capital, says she’s watching the unfolding events closely and continuing to think of family and friends who remain in the country.

While tensions remain high in the middle eastern country and Iran’s future remains uncertain, Kiana Samimimehr says she’s holding out hope that things could change, and she can see her family one day.

“I just want my people to be freed and live a happy life because they’re not having it right now,” she says. “It’s been four decades that they’re not having it.”

Samimimehr says she hasn’t been able to see her mother or her family members in Iran since she left the country more than two years ago.

She was able to reach her mother, who is safe after leaving her home and the city of Tehran.

“I was like, ‘oh, thank God my mom is fine,’” she says, adding that her mother is somewhere that currently unaffected by the attacks.

“So, I was relieved a lot.”

Samimimehr, who is now living in Chelsea, Que., says she was forced to flee following the Women, Life, Freedom Movement protest that took place in 2022. She says she was among those arrested while studying at university.

Right now, Samimimehr says poor internet connection in her home country is making it hard to communicate.

“Everybody is worried about each other,” she explains. “My aunt also lives in Turkey, and she was worried about the people who were in Iran and she didn’t have access to them. So, my mom told me to tell her that everyone are fine. Like, that’s how bad the situation is right now.”

As U.S.- Israel airstrikes targeting Iran continue, thousands of flights to and from the middle east are being grounded.

Ottawa residents are watching closely here at home, many celebrating at a rally in front of the U.S. embassy on Saturday.

As Iran launches counterstrikes in Israel, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa said in a statement that it is watching developments closely.

“The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is watching developments closely as Israel responds to ongoing threats posed by the Islamic Regime in Iran, a regime that continues to repress its own people, fuel terrorism, and destabilize the region,” reads the statement.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected: Israelis under threat, innocent civilians in Iran, and families here in Canada who are anxious for loved ones abroad.”

The Ottawa Police Service also issued a statement Sunday, saying it is monitoring any possible effects here in the capital, adding residents “may see a larger police presence near religious institutions.”

Samimimehr says she remains hopeful that change can come in Iran, and that she will see her family and friends one day soon.

“I am very hopeful,” she says. “And, I don’t know how this is going to happen, but my people are courageous, and I love them and I wish I was there to support them.”

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