As the protests continue in Iran, many across the world are concerned for their loved ones in the country. However, the Iranian government’s crackdown on internet and telecommunications have left many in the dark about their families fate. Radvin Hesami, an Iranian who came to Canada in 2021 with his family, is deeply worried.

“There’s a blackout- 99% of civilians don’t have internet access, the only way they get through is by Starlink,” Hesami said. “The government wants to keep all this quiet. 

Hesami is just one of many concerned voices within Canada, with demonstrations supporting the protestors becoming increasingly popular. As CTV News reports, around 200 people were present at the Legislative Building in Regina for a rally earlier this month.

Though this isn’t the first time in recent memory that Iran’s government has clashed with outraged civilians, it is certainly the most deadly. The protests in 2022 which were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini accumulated a death toll of approximately 450. 

As of Jan. 18th, a U.S-based activist agency has confirmed nearly 4,000 dead within the country, according to CTV News.

“My parents think about the possibility that if I was in Iran, and involved with the protests, I might not be alive right now,” Hesami said. “When I try to call my cousin and grandma, they never answer.”

In the midst of this chaos, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the country’s ruler from before the Iranian Revolution in 1979, is giving his complete support to the citizenry. 

In a post on X.com on Jan. 18th, he wrote: “The battle in Iran today is between occupation and liberation. The Iranian people have called for me to lead. I will return to Iran.” In an accompanying video, Pahlavi also called for the international community to support the revolt.

Hesami and his family are in favor of Pahlavi carrying on the monarchy, but are wary of what international involvement would do to Iran. “We think that a shift to monarchy is good, but we’re cautious about America getting involved and gaining something like natural resources from the country,” Hesami said.

Despite the violence, Hesami pointed out the difficulties that many Iranians face when attempting to flee the country. “It is hard for the average Iranian to leave the country, and they’d like to leave but they don’t have the funds to do so,” he said. 

His family was only able to leave due to his mother acquiring a study permit in 2021, followed by his father getting a work permit. “Iranian passports only allow passage to 13 countries,” he added. “If you want anything beyond that you need to get a visa.”

Featured photo courtesy of  Office of Iranian Supreme Leader.