A ‘human chain’ formed along Yonge Street in support of Iranian protesters

A “human chain” of protesters lined the east sidewalk of Yonge Street on Saturday in support of the Iranian people.

The Association of Families of the Victims of Flight PS752 organized the event, officially known as “The Human Chain: A Connection to the Iranian Revolution”, in conjunction with other protests in Canada and around the world.

The chain stretched along Yonge Street from Finch Avenue to Dundas Street.

“This event aims to echo the voices of those who continue to suffer under the brutal rule of the Islamic Republic regime and to reflect the voices of the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones in recent days and over the past 44 years.” , the association said in an Instagram post.

The association said similar events had taken place in major cities around the world and in nine other Canadian cities, including London, Ottawa and Waterloo.

“The Human Chain is a demonstration of unity and peaceful protest intended to engage the public and communicate with communities at large in countries around the world where Iranians reside,” the association said.

“The purpose of these events is to affect public opinion, power centers, the media and international organizations with regard to justice and human rights in Iran.”

Event organizers said there were no plans to hold a rally, march or speeches during or after the protest and asked those planning to attend not to “gather in groups and to keep the chain in one line” along the sidewalk of the road.

Participants were asked to report anytime after 10 a.m. at a specific intersection based on the first letter of their last name.

“To succeed in our goal, we must do our best to organize our community peacefully and cohesively without any disruption to local residents, traffic and area businesses,” the association said.