A memorial was held in Winnipeg on Sunday to mark three years since the Iranian military shot down Flight PS752.
One hundred and seventy-six lives were lost on flight PS752, including nine Winnipeggers, when it was shot down by Iranian missiles.
The Justice Prevails ceremony took place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). It included speeches, special presentations and performances.
“On that day, not only were 176 lives lost, but the lives of many others were changed forever,” said Arian Arianpour, president of the Iranian Community of Manitoba.
Arianpour said that since then it has been the mission of the victims’ families, Iranian communities around the world and other countries that lost citizens in the tragedy to keep the memory of the passengers and crew alive.
Memorial to the victims of flight PS752.
Arsalan Sayeed/Global News
“Many of them were students and teachers returning to Canada. Many of them were from around here,” said CMHR CEO Isha Khan.
“All of their friends and family were waiting for them to come home. All around them there was a community of love. And so today we stand by their families in spite of their pain.
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“Now is the time for us to do more. Canada and Canadians can do more to help Iranians fighting against an oppressive regime and find peace and justice today,” Khan said.
The Mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham, mentioned how he had the honor of attending the tree planting ceremony at Scurfield Park.
“The trees were planted to remember the beloved Winnipeggers whose lives were stolen from us that day,” he said.
“I look forward to the completion of that project, to provide a place of reflection and contemplation, a place that pays tribute to these victims.”
Gillingham said a tree is a very fitting way to honor someone as they grow older over the years.
The Premier of Manitoba, Heather Stephenson, noted that she wanted to be in attendance but had prior commitments.
On his behalf, Andrew Smith, Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage, attended the ceremony and said a few words.
“The impact of this tragedy is affecting Manitobans and Canadians in many ways, and our hearts are with the families and community members affected,” he added.
“Manitobans are with you. Canadians are with you. As we have seen recently, many people around the world are with you.”
But it’s not just about keeping memories alive — it’s also about getting justice, Arianpour said.
“The demand for justice is a part of the ongoing revolution in Iran. Justice for the victims of downing flight PS752.”
Arianpour says it is also about justice against the Islamic Republic regime.
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“(Justice) for at least 517 (Iranian) protesters, including at least 70 children, who have been murdered over the past 114 days and thousands killed, tortured or imprisoned over the past 44 years, ” They said.
“It is necessary to be the voice of those who are fighting for their basic human rights with bare hands, the heroes who are sacrificing their lives for universal values.”
NDP leader Wab Kinue also attended the ceremony and took some time to highlight, pay tribute, and lift up protesters in Iran.
“For me, it’s very important that what you see on the streets of Iran, in cities like Tehran, is being led by women who are putting their lives on the line.”
Arianpour said the Iranian community is seeing an unprecedented level of support and noted how Canada has become a leader in protecting the people of Iran in particular.
“We are very appreciative of all their efforts, including standing in solidarity with the families of the flight PS752 victims.”
Additionally, Manitoba Liberal leader Dougald Lamont gave a speech in which he spoke about unity.
“You have members from all political parties represented here, members from all levels of government. And that is a sign of our unity,” he said.
“Because you are not separate from us. We are all part of the same community together to mourn and seek justice.
“We grieve with you. We stand with you and we will seek justice with you.
Other celebrations were held in Canada and around the world. Last month, Canada joined other countries to refer the flight PS752 case to the International Court of Justice.
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