A significant and peaceful demonstration took place in Windsor, Ontario, this past weekend, as members of the local Iranian community and their supporters gathered to voice their condemnation of the current government in Iran.
Protest Highlights Internet Shutdown and Crackdown
The rally, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, along the city's riverfront at the foot of Ouellette Avenue, aimed to draw global attention to what organizers describe as an oppressive regime. A key point of concern for protesters is the Iranian government's decision to sever all internet access for its citizens, effectively isolating the population from the outside world.
Participants waved Iranian flags and held signs calling for an end to the Islamic Republic, advocating for a return to democratic governance in their homeland. The event was held symbolically beneath a large Canadian flag.
Local Voices Express Solidarity and Fear
Elyar Saeedi, a rally spokesperson and permanent resident of Windsor, explained the gathering's purpose. "We are trying to show our support for Iranian people inside Iran under basically, under very hard circumstances," Saeedi stated. "So here with the families and all the friends we are gathering together to show the world that okay, they are not alone."
Saeedi, who came to Canada on a work permit and now lives in Windsor with his wife and children, detailed the communication blockade. He confirmed there has been no internet access in Iran for several days and that phone connections are highly unreliable.
Many in Windsor's Iranian community have loved ones still in Iran, and they fear for their safety amid escalating violence. Saeedi referenced reports from Iran's state-run Press TV that included death threats from government leaders against protesters.
International Context and Rising Tensions
The Windsor protest coincided with ongoing, significant demonstrations within Iran itself. As reported by Postmedia, protests challenging Iran's theocracy reached the two-week mark on Sunday, January 11, with major gatherings in cities like Tehran and Mashhad.
Activist groups tracking the situation report a severe human cost:
- At least 116 people have died.
- Approximately 2,600 individuals have been detained.
The internal crisis has drawn international reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the protesters and hinted at potential military action. In response, Iran's parliament speaker issued a warning that U.S. and Israeli interests could become targets if America strikes Iran.
Iran has been ruled as a theocratic republic by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei since June 1989, with laws based on Ja'fari Shia Islam.
The Windsor rally was the second such local gathering in a week, organized due to growing alarm over the internet blackout and increasing reports of brutality. Saeedi revealed a strategic decision by the diaspora to carefully manage information sharing to protect morale inside Iran. "We are trying to not kill the emotion inside Iran. We want to keep them energetic," he said. "We don't want to share these things, because it will basically, it will affect negatively the protesters in Iran. But absolutely, there are huge amounts of violence – they are killing, they are shooting."
