Urgent: Iran Protests Escalate as Regime Cuts Off Internet – Montrealers Rally for Freedom
Montreal, QC – A wave of desperate hope and anguish washed over Montreal this Saturday as thousands of Iranian-Canadians took to the streets, protesting the escalating violence and censorship gripping their homeland. The demonstrations come as the Iranian government intensifies its crackdown on widespread protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, and has now severed internet access for its citizens in a desperate attempt to quell the uprising. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to bringing you the latest updates.
Montrealers of Iranian origin demonstrate in solidarity with protestors in Iran. (Placeholder Image)
A Nation Silenced: Internet Shutdown and Brutal Repression
For nearly two weeks, Iranians have courageously defied the authoritarian regime, demanding fundamental change. But the government’s response has been brutal. According to political scientist Hanieh Ziaei, specializing in the Iranian world at the Raoul-Dandurand Chair, “Iranians can no longer communicate with the rest of the world, nor with each other.” The complete shutdown of internet and cellular networks is a chilling tactic, designed to isolate the population and suppress dissent.
Eyewitness accounts from Montreal paint a harrowing picture. Zoey Kord, a 40-year-old mother who immigrated to Quebec four years ago, shared her desperation: “The regime has cut off the internet, the cellular network and is killing demonstrators.” Unable to reach her family in Iran, Kord embodies the fear and helplessness felt by countless diaspora members. Her husband, Ryan Ale, added, “The only source of information comes from people who have Starlink terminals clandestine.”
The Rising Death Toll and Calls for International Intervention
The protests, initially fueled by economic grievances, have evolved into a broader call for regime change. Reports indicate approximately sixty deaths, 1,400 injuries, and widespread arrests. Ziaei warns that hospitals are overwhelmed, and security forces are reportedly targeting demonstrators with lethal force, aiming for the head and neck. This level of violence demands international attention.
Adding a surprising twist to the narrative, former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced his support for the Iranian people, tweeting, “Iran is contemplating FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The United States is ready to help!!!” While some protestors, like Xerxes Gorgani, acknowledge Trump’s potential self-interest, they see him as a possible ally. “We know he has personal interests in this, but he is the only one who wants to help us,” Gorgani stated.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Return of the Monarchy?
As the current regime falters, attention is turning to the possibility of a return to monarchy. Reza Pahlavi, the 45-year-old son of Iran’s former king, has emerged as a focal point for opposition. His image was prominently displayed at the Montreal demonstration, alongside flags representing the pre-1979 monarchy. Pahlavi, currently exiled in the United States, has called for a nationwide uprising and positions himself as a viable alternative to the current dictatorship.
However, the path forward remains uncertain. Ziaei cautions that while Pahlavi enjoys a “cult of personality,” the immediate priority is ending the dictatorship. “Then, we will see what Pahlavi’s project is,” she explains. It’s crucial to remember that Iran has never experienced a truly democratic system, adding another layer of complexity to the potential transition.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former king, is seen by some as a potential leader of a future Iran. (Placeholder Image)
The situation in Iran is incredibly fluid. The internet shutdown makes independent verification of information extremely difficult, but the reports coming from those who have managed to maintain contact with the ground paint a grim picture. The bravery of the Iranian people, coupled with the growing international pressure, offers a fragile hope for a future free from oppression. Archyde.com will continue to monitor this critical situation and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for further developments and in-depth analysis on the evolving Iranian crisis.
