Sudbury event supports Iranians protesting woman's death at the hands of the morality police
A protest planned Saturday in Sudbury is related to the situation in Iran, where a young woman died in custody after being arrested by that country's morality police.
She was accused of not wearing her hijab properly and the government says she died suddenly because of a health condition.
But her family rejects that claim and said she was beaten to death. Protests have spread across Iran.
Iranian students at Laurentian University are now trying to make it known to others what exactly is happening to innocent people in the country.
They are keeping their names and faces private because of concerns for their families still living in Iran.
One man who moved to Sudbury in 2020 to study at Laurentian said he is concerned for his family's safety, especially after his brother was injured while protesting.
“He was on the sidewalk when the police motorcycle passed him and they shot him (with) plastic bullets to his abs,” the man said.
He said it pains him to know how many women and girls are being treated poorly every minute of the day.
“They are killing girls and women every day," he said.
"No man is allowed to even touch the hand or any part of a woman -- it’s not allowed. But the police there are catching the girls -- even the small girls, the 15-year-old girls, they are forcing them into their vans. It’s completely against Islam.”
A Laurentian professor who is originally from Iran is supporting the initiative. He is also concerned for family, friends and everyone who is currently living there.
“There are some people who are detained and you don’t know what will happen to them in the next few weeks after maybe the protest is done," said Prof. Kamran Eshghi
"They have killed so many people and you are worried about all of them. Right now, they don’t have access to internet … and other social media platforms. All of them are shut down.”
A protest will be taking place at Bell Park in Sudbury at 1:30 p.m. Organizers said everyone is welcome to join and show their support.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.