Dozens of protestors gathered downtown on March 7 at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument to protest the unfolding conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran.
Attendees braved the rain to condemn the war and listen to impassioned speeches from guests.
The war started on Feb. 28 after talks about nuclear weapons in Iran deteriorated late last month. The U.S. and Israel bombed Tehran, killing the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was named his successor in the early hours of March 9.
Iran has retaliated to the aggression by striking military, civilian and economic targets, namely U.S. military assets, in 11 neighbouring countries.
While Canada has not participated in the strikes in Iran, Prime Minister Mark Carney has had shifting views on the country’s position — previously saying he’s unable to rule out whether Canada will have a military role in the conflict.
The attendees chanted in support of Gaza, ending strikes on many of the affected countries, including Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and against the U.S.-Israel military presence in the area.
The protest began with speeches calling out the Canadian, U.S. and Israeli governments for their involvement. Speeches encouraged attendees to contact their MPs in support of Bill C-233, known as the “No More Loopholes Bill,” which would close gaps in Canadian arms embargoes on Israel.
Protestors marched on the downtown streets as passing cars honked to show solidarity. It dispersed at around 4:30 p.m. after attendees returned to the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument near City Hall.
Featured image by Nathan Cox/the Charlatan
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