Memorial unveiled in Winnipeg honouring victims of Flight PS752 downing

A permanent memorial has been unveiled in Winnipeg to honour the 176 victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, shot down by Iranian forces in January 2020. The ceremony marked 2,000 days since the tragedy and continued a call for justice led by families of the victims.

The memorial, located in Scurfield Park, features a stone plaza engraved with the names of all 176 victims, including 55 Canadian citizens. It’s the first memorial of its kind in Canada.

“Our fight for justice is also a fight against basically being forgotten, and we have to keep this alive everywhere we can,” said Kourosh Doustshenas, who lost his fiancée Forough Khadem in the downing.

Doustshenas stood alongside other family members as the memorial was officially unveiled. While he said it brings a measure of peace, he emphasized that their search for truth and accountability continues.

“This is a strong reminder—a permanent memorial site—everyone will see, and never forget,” he said. “Let this memorial be a reminder that our fight is still ongoing, and we will never, ever give up on uncovering the truth and seeking justice.”

Maral Gorginpour travelled from Toronto to attend the ceremony and honour her husband, Fareed Arasteh, who was killed in the crash just three days after their wedding.

“We want to know what happened that night—who decided to shoot the missiles, and who was part of this heinous crime,” she said.

Though the pain remains, Gorginpour said she felt some comfort seeing his name etched in stone.

“Making sure he will be remembered—his journey was unfinished, but at least his name will stay in history.”

The emotional ceremony drew local residents, members of Manitoba’s Iranian community, and politicians from all three levels of government. Music and personal tributes were shared, including remarks from Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid, who delivered a message on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.

“We are seeking justice for the families, for the community,” Duguid said. “We’re doing that at the International Court of Justice, and we will not stop until justice is served.”

Doustshenas closed the event with a passionate reminder of Canada’s losses in the tragedy.

“Fifty-five Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents, and many students from Canada… Murdering them and getting away with it—we cannot let that happen.”