Large crowds gathered in downtown Vancouver over the weekend as members of the local Iranian community and their supporters continued to call for the fall of the Islamic Republic. Demonstrators filled Jack Poole Plaza on Sunday, one of two major rallies held in the city. Many carried Iranian flags and signs condemning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and what human rights groups describe as a violent crackdown on protesters in Iran. “This merits humanitarian intervention, military intervention in the interest of saving Iranian lives from a situation of mass atrocities,” said Masoud Zamani, a rally organizer and professor of Middle Eastern studies at UBC. Another demonstrator called on the Canadian government to use its tools to increase pressure on the Iranian regime. “Need the proper action to sanction these IRGC members. They are living in Canada. Freeze their assets and recognize our revolution and our leadership,” said Maryam Rashtizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian with family in Iran. The death toll there continues to rise as anti-government demonstrations grow, fuelled by concerns over equity, oppression and economic collapse. The IRGC has responded with force, arrests and a government clampdown on communications, including internet. The unrest has left many Iranian‑Canadians deeply worried for loved ones back home. “My entire family, they live in Iran,” said Sedi Minachi, who attended the Sunday rally. “And because of this, shutdown of the internet and communications, I haven’t had any connection with the family members.” Similar rallies were held in cities across the country over the weekend.
