‘It breaks my heart’: People rally outside Windsor City Hall in support of Iraqi protesters

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Massive protests have been taking place in Iraq since Oct. 1.
Tahmina Aziz · CBC News
Hundreds gathered outside of Windsor City Hall Sunday night in support of anti-government protesters in Iraq. (Tahmina Aziz/CBC)
 
Several hundred people from Windsor’s Iraqi community gathered outside of Windsor City Hall Sunday night to condemn the violence against anti-government protesters in Iraq by Iraqi security forces.

Those who attended the rally said they hope the event raises awareness about the massive protests that have been taking place in the country since Oct. 1.


 

11-year-old Hosep Sarkisean said he feels “sad” hearing about people dying in Iraq. (Tahmina Aziz/CBC)
“I’m hoping we get the word [out] to the public,” said Sam Petros, one of the organizers of the demonstration. He added that protestors there only want basic life necessities like water, electricity and education.

Eleven-year-old Isaac Alshara also attended the rally with his family.

“This protest means the social awareness of my country and what the [Iraqi] government is doing to my country,” he said.

Sam Petros, one of the organizers of the demonstration, said the surgical masks helps attract more attention thereby raising awareness. (Tahmina Aziz/CBC)
“We need people to know so they can save Iraq,” he said. “It makes me feel horrible that they want freedom in their country and they’re just getting killed by protesting for it.”

At least 341 people have died in massive protests in Iraq since early last month, according to the Associated Press.    

Isaac Alshara, 11, says he feels horrible about what’s taking place in Iraq. (Tahmina Aziz/CBC)
“We want to make noise today and a big call for everyone in Canada,” said Father Sarmed Biloues of The Holy Family Chaldean Catholic Church, adding that it’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of Iraqi youth.

“We have to stop killing. We cannot kill people.”

Eleven-year-old Hosep Sarkisean said he feels sad hearing about people dying in Iraq, where he lived for six years.  

 

Maryam Naeem, who moved to Canada in 2016, said it breaks her heart to see what’s taking place in her home country. (Tahmina Aziz/CBC)
Maryam Naeem, who moved to Canada in 2016, said it breaks her heart to see what’s going on in her home country.

“I wish I was there to help them,” she said. “It’s so sad to watch them suffer and get killed and bleed … and we can’t do anything.”

 

Father Sarmed Biloues of The Holy Family Chaldean Catholic Church says it’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of the Iraqi youth. (Tahmina Aziz.)
Petros said the protest is particularly significant in Windsor because there is a big Iraqi community living here.

“We’re all affected by what’s going on there.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-iraq-protest-1.5371729