Demonstrators in Waterloo denounce execution of Iranian prisoner

Renewed protests in Waterloo Region follow the latest instance of violence in Iran.

Renewed protests in Waterloo Region follow the latest instance of violence in Iran. The regime announced it had executed a prisoner convicted of a crime allegedly committed during the country’s ongoing nationwide protests.

Dozens of community members gathered Saturday in Uptown Waterloo to demand an immediate stop to all executions of protestors and to end the brutal crackdowns on demonstrators.

Hootan Nakhost is one of many Iranian Canadians terrified for family members back in Iran.

“Honestly, it’s very hard for everyone in Iran right now, either they are protesting or not. It’s been very hard,” said Nakhost.

Fear in the Iranian community – both at home and abroad – is growing amid ongoing uprisings and continued violence in the country.

“It’s even one step further, they are officially saying we are executing these people,” said Nakhost.

The regime announced on Thursday the execution of 23-year-old Mohsen Shekari, a prisoner accused of blocking a street and attacking a security force member with a machete. It is the first known execution carried out by Tehran against a prisoner arrested in the protests. Other detainees from the months-long civil unrest also face the possibility of the death penalty.