Thousands march in North York for Iran protesters
An estimated 350,000 people marched in Toronto's North York neighborhood. The demonstration was organized to show solidarity with and express support for anti-government protesters currently in Iran.
- The protests in Iran were initially sparked by a severe economic crisis in late December 2025, when the country's currency, the rial, collapsed to a historic low against the US dollar. - While triggered by economic hardship, the demonstrations quickly evolved into a widespread movement calling for an end to the Islamic Republic and a change in government. - The march in Toronto was part of a "global day of action" called for by Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, with other major demonstrations taking place in cities like Los Angeles and Munich. - Protesters in Toronto and worldwide have shown support for a return of the monarchy as a transitional government, with many carrying the former Iranian flag featuring a lion and sun. - The Iranian government has responded to the protests with a violent crackdown and an internet blackout, resulting in thousands of deaths, according to human rights organizations. - The current uprising is considered the largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and follows the significant "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement of 2022, which was sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. - In Toronto, a 56-year-old man from Burlington was arrested and charged with uttering threats after allegedly posting his intention to bring a firearm to the North York demonstration. - Organizers of the global protests have a list of demands, including the weakening of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the freezing of the regime's assets, and the expulsion of its diplomats.
