Iranians in Toronto hold North York rally against Iran's ruling regime

More than 250 members of Toronto's Iranian community marched along Yonge Street to Mel Lastman Square on Sunday in solidarity with protests in Iran, while a separate convoy travelled local highways; officials and Global Affairs Canada issued public statements and advisories.

Members of Toronto's Iranian community gathered in North York on Sunday to show support for nationwide protests in Iran. More than 250 people marched along Yonge Street before assembling at Mel Lastman Square, and a convoy of vehicles also travelled local highways. Speakers at the event voiced support for protesters in Iran and for the return of Reza Pahlavi from exile. Several attendees said they have had limited contact with relatives in Iran because communications have been disrupted. What is known: - Local event: organizers and participants held a march in North York of more than 250 people and a separate vehicle convoy travelled on highways before entering Yonge Street. - Official responses: the prime minister publicly condemned reported killings and arbitrary arrests, and Global Affairs Canada issued a travel advisory urging people to avoid travel to Iran and to leave if they can do so safely. - Information from Iran: internet and telephone services were reported cut, making independent verification of events inside Iran difficult. Summary: The Toronto demonstration was one of several rallies across Canada over the weekend expressing solidarity with protesters in Iran and concern for family and contacts there. Undetermined at this time.