Toronto rally draws tens of thousands in support of Iran protests

Toronto police said a large march took place in North York as part of a global day of demonstrations supporting protests in Iran; participants called for an end to repression and some urged the return of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Tens of thousands of people marched down Yonge Street in North York in a rally timed with similar demonstrations around the world. The gathering was described as part of a Global Day of Action linked to unrest in Iran. Participants carried the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag and photos of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Police warned of road closures and transit delays ahead of the event. Key details: - Toronto police said about 150,000 people attended an earlier Sankofa Square rally and that they expected up to 200,000 to march down Yonge Street. - The march was one of multiple international gatherings held to show support for protesters in Iran and to call for an end to government repression there. - Many participants displayed the pre-1979 Iranian flag and images of Reza Pahlavi, and some voiced support for political change in Iran. - Police closed portions of Yonge Street and North York Boulevard and warned of significant traffic and transit delays around the protest area. Summary: The Toronto rally was reported by police as a large, organized demonstration in solidarity with protests in Iran and formed part of global actions in several cities. Undetermined at this time.