Winnipeggers protest death of Iran’s Mahsa Amini: ‘She didn’t deserve that’

A group of demonstrators gathered at the Manitoba Legislature on Friday in hopes of sending a clear message of support to Iranian women and a call for more action from international governments.

By Temi Olatunde

Protesters gathered at the Manitoba legislature Saturday to show support for demonstrators in Iran.

At least 11 people have been killed in Iran since protests began earlier this month after the funeral of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being detained by Iran’s morality police.

Amini was detained Sept. 13 for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely in violation of strictures demanding women in public wear the Islamic headscarves. She died three days later.

Authorities said her death was the result of a heart attack, and that she hadn’t been harmed. Her family has disputed that claim, leading to a public outcry.

“She didn’t do anything wrong, and she didn’t deserve that. She really didn’t deserve it,” said Mehmaz Eghtesa, who was at Saturday’s protest in Winnipeg.

Winnipeggers protest the death of Iran’s Mahsa Amini on Sept. 24, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Temi Olatunde)

The protesters in Winnipeg called for an end to Iran’s forced veiling laws and fighting for Iranian’s freedom.

“We are here to support men, women, and all minorities in Iran, who are not having the voice to be heard by the world because there’s no free speech or the right to free speech, and also that the internet is shut down,” said Arshiya Bagheri.

RELATED: Montrealers protest death of Iran’s Mahsa Amini; one of many demonstrations across Canada

Iranians in Winnipeg say that they are unable to communicate with family back home. They say the Iranian government’s response to the nationwide protests have been brutal, and they want a change.

“The regime started shooting at people, they started bringing tanks, and water tanks into the city,” said Sajjad Heydari. “They started using ambulances, emergency vehicles in order to move troops around and in order to move arrested protesters around. It is violation of human rights in every possible way.”

“People want more than that,” added Bagheri. “They want more than forced veil laws. They want the change in the government.”

Protesters are calling for support from Canadians and the world in their fight for human rights.

“It’s very time sensitive period for all of us to have the support of all people around the world,” said Bagheri. “They same that they supported Ukraine, the same that they support all people across the world. We want the same support.”

“We love our country,” added Eghtesa. “We’d like to stay there if they let us have our freedom, have our human rights.”

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