Hundreds march in solidarity with Iranians protesting woman's death in police custody
Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Halifax on Saturday in response to the death of an Iranian woman who was detained for allegedly violating the country's forced veiling laws.
The demonstration, led by the Iranian Cultural Society of Nova Scotia, started in Victoria Park and ended on Sackville Landing.
People chanted and carried signs calling for justice in the death of Mahsa Amini.
“All they want are humanitarian rights,” said Iranian-Canadian Siavesh Farrahi. “We want women’s rights. So that’s all we want, and we need the Canadian peoples' support.”
Iran's morality police arrested Amini in the country's capital, Tehran, last month for allegedly wearing her Islamic headscarf too loosely. Iranian women are required to wear hijabs in public.
Amini later died in custody, and while police say the 22-year-old suffered a heart attack and wasn’t mistreated, her family has doubted this account.
Iranians across their country have since protested on the streets and confronted police, with videos on social media showing women removing and burning their veils. Some women have also cut their hair in protest.
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would be imposing new sanctions on Iran as a result of a continuing violent crackdown on protesters.
The sanctions will be levelled on "dozens of individuals and entities, including Iran's so-called morality police," the prime minister said.
It’s a move some at the Halifax rally said they were in favour of.
“We appreciate the recent movement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – we want a stronger commitment,” said Iranian-Canadian Nargess Kayhani. “We want to make sure that Canada stops these elements, these brutal elements of [the] Iranian regime.”
According to a Sept. 24 tally by The Associated Press, at least 11 people have been killed since the protests began. Iranian state media has said the toll could be as high as 35.
With files from CTVNews.ca and The Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.