Kelowna, B.C. residents rally in support of Iran for eighth consecutive week

The event kicked off in the parking lot of UBCO, where demonstrators could be seen waving flags and attaching signs to their vehicles, before forming a convoy on Highway 97.

For the eighth week in a row, dozens of Kelowna, B.C., residents demonstrated their support for those in Iran, who continue to face government repression.

Rallies like this have been happening around the world since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by Iran’s “morality police” for not wearing her hijab “correctly.”

“Internet is completely shut down in Iran, there is the highest level of censorship, and they are putting their lives in their hands to protect their liberty and to gain their freedom,” explained organizer and UBCO professor, Ray Taheri.

“The least we can do is show our support.”

The event kicked off in the parking lot of UBC Okanagan, where demonstrators could be seen waving flags and attaching signs to their vehicles before forming a convoy on Highway 97 — enroute to downtown Kelowna.

Taheri thanked the community for showing solidarity with those who don’t have the freedom to express themselves.

“I’m so happy that there are lots of non-Persian people, nice people in Kelowna that have joined us,” explained Taheri.

“I’m very thankful to them, and I would like to ask them to continue to support this movement.”