TORONTO — Thousands of people gathered in downtown Toronto on Sunday to protest Iran’s Islamic Republic and voice support for Iranians killed during weeks of countrywide unrest.
Demonstrators filled Sankofa Square, waving Iranian flags and holding photos of victims as they called for regime change and international intervention. The rally was one of several held in Toronto and across Canada in recent weeks.
Yalda, an Iranian who attended the protest, said her 42-year-old cousin was killed during demonstrations in Iran. While holding up a sign that had her cousin’s picture on it, she said he was unarmed when he was killed and left behind a 13-year-old son.
“He was empty-handed. He didn’t have anything in his hands,” she said. “They killed him just for asking for human rights.”
Yalda was one of several protesters who didn’t want their full names used for safety reasons. Many still have family there.
Farbod, a youth who said he fled Iran because of government repression, said there is no freedom under the current regime, particularly for women.
“If you show a little bit of hair, they’re going to kill you,” he said.
Countrywide protests erupted in Iran on Dec. 28 after an economic crisis sent the country’s currency into free fall. While early demonstrations were driven by rising costs of living, protesters have since shifted their focus to broader demands for political change.
Some demonstrators in Toronto said Iranians inside the country are unable to challenge the government on their own because of violent crackdowns. Amir, a protester at Sunday’s rally, called on Western governments to intervene.
“They are shooting people without hesitating,” he said. “They are shooting their own people in the streets.”
Others voiced support for the return of Iran’s exiled crown prince. Navid Khadiwini, an Iranian film director, said he believes Reza Pahlavi should be allowed to return to lead the country.
“He’s from the royal family who already proved themselves and served the country for decades,” Khadiwini said.
Lloyd Morgan, who attended the rally with Khadiwini, said remaining silent is not an option.
“Silence is complacency,” Morgan said. “If you’re not saying anything, then you’re choosing a side.”
Younger demonstrators also spoke out. Kalina, 10, said her great-grandmother is back in Iran and she is out protesting because she wants to ensure she ‘’is safe and make sure that she is happy and she doesn’t get hurt.’’
Some demonstrators said they believe the government’s fall is inevitable. Leyla Babaei said it is only a matter of time before the Islamic Republic is removed from power.
“It’s not a matter of if, but it’s a matter of when,” Babaei said.
Iran’s government says more than 3,000 people have been killed since protests erupted. Human rights groups and opposition organizations estimate the death toll could be significantly higher, with some placing it as high as 36,500.
Toronto police were present at Sankofa Square and along nearby streets during the demonstration, but no arrests were made and the event remained peaceful.
— With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2026.
Sandra Ezekwesili, The Canadian Press
