Toronto Rally: 200,000+ Demand Iran Regime Change & Canadian Support for Pahlavi
A demonstration estimated to have drawn over 200,000 people to North York, Toronto, on Saturday saw protesters call on the Canadian government to recognize Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, as a leader in the country’s democratic transition. The rally, one of several held globally, comes as protests continue within Iran following an economic crisis that escalated into widespread calls for regime change at the end of last year.
Organizers urged Canadian involvement in what they described as an “ongoing national crisis” in Iran, asserting that the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy has been eroded. A letter from demonstration organizers to the Canadian government, obtained by CBC Toronto, called for a “timely” and “constructive” response to the situation. The letter detailed accusations of systemic repression, human rights violations, and the denial of fundamental freedoms under the current Iranian government.
Protesters marched down Yonge Street, carrying flags emblazoned with a golden lion – the symbol of Iran’s monarchy before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Chants of “King Reza Pahlavi” echoed through the streets as demonstrators called for an end to government repression in Iran and the violent crackdowns on ongoing protests within the country.
Aveen Ghahremani, a co-organizer of the rally, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among non-Iranians and encouraging their involvement. “We’re all here because of a lot of luck,” she said to CBC Toronto. “Some people in Iran are not as lucky.” Ghahremani highlighted the contrast between the freedoms enjoyed by Iranian Canadians and the conditions within Iran, stating, “I don’t reckon we should take that for granted.”
Toronto police estimated the crowd size at over 200,000, a figure based on discussions with organizers and assessments of similar rallies. Police closed portions of Yonge Street and North York Boulevard in anticipation of the protest, warning of significant traffic and transit delays. One person was arrested for assault at the demonstration near Yonge Street and Homewood Avenue, with further details expected in a police news release.
The rally coincided with similar demonstrations in Munich and Los Angeles, as designated by Pahlavi as key gathering points for Iranians abroad. Protests within Iran initially focused on the country’s economic struggles, but quickly broadened to include demands for an end to the Islamic Republic, with some demonstrators voicing support for a return to the monarchy.
The Iranian government has reported over 3,000 deaths since the protests began, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates the death toll to be over 7,000. This discrepancy in figures highlights the challenges in independently verifying information coming from Iran, particularly given the government’s implementation of an internet blackout.
Saturday’s demonstration followed a previous rally in Toronto’s Sankofa Square two weeks prior, which police estimated drew 150,000 attendees. Nima Najafi, who attended both protests, described Saturday’s event as “twice as large.” Jasmin Zandi, an Iranian Canadian attending her fifth solidarity march, spoke of the emotional toll the situation takes on families with loved ones still in Iran, recounting a recent tearful phone call with her brother, a doctor in the country.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reported service alerts affecting several routes due to the demonstration, including detours for Finch West, Cummer, Steeles East, Drewry, Sheppard Central, and Finch Express buses, as well as partial suspension of service on the Yonge line.
Global Affairs Canada has not yet issued a public statement regarding the demonstration or the organizers’ call for recognition of Reza Pahlavi as a leader in Iran’s transition.