Vancouver-based Iranians alarmed over regime’s crackdown

As protests in Iran continue, the governing regime has been cracking down, banning access to the internet and international calls in the Middle Eastern country.

The crackdown has left Iranians in Canada increasingly worried about the well-being of their friends and families at home.

Davood Ghavami, the president of B.C.’s chapter of the Iranian Canadian Congress, says it has been a stressful time for him and his community.

“It is very difficult to get in touch with the family members,” Ghavami told 1130 NewsRadio.

“The last time I spoke was two days ago, with my family and those people who have been actively involved with the protest, but they’re so nervous.”

He says it is disturbing to see that the protests in Iran have been met with deadly force.

He is calling on the Canadian government to hold the regime in Tehran accountable.

“We absolutely need the Canadian government to support the people and put pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop this atrocity,” said Ghavami.

The non-profit, representing the interests of Iranian Canadians, says it is planning a demonstration on Saturday at Vancouver’s Art Gallery. Ghavami says Saturday’s demonstration is designed to put pressure on governments to support the uprising.

Protesters in Iran, he says, are showing great courage in demanding their government step down, while government forces have been killing demonstrators.

“This time, people are so hopeful because most of the opposition groups they’ve gotten together, they’re working together, and they’re working together to mobilize the people to come on the street and topple the government.”

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights and the Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency, 42 people have been killed during the protests, including six children.

The protest in Iran came amid an economic and ecological crisis, as the country has been suffering from an extreme drought.

With files from Renee Bernard.