Iran International
Canada condemned the killing of protesters and use of violence by Iranian authorities after a video shared by Iran International showed an armored vehicle operated by Iranian security force running over demonstrators in Ardabil, northwest of Iran.
The video shows the incident taking place at Yahyavi Square during protests on January 8 and 9. At least one woman is believed to have been killed and three others injured.
“Canada strongly condemns the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people,” Canada’s foreign ministry said in a written response to Iran International.
The ministry added that Canada “will continue to hold Iran accountable for its violations of human rights,” citing measures taken over the past two years to maintain pressure on Tehran and its allies.
It noted that Canada listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization in June 2024.
Canada has further designated Iran as a foreign state supporter of terrorism, a designation the government reconfirmed in December 2025, it said.
Last month, Iran International reported that more than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces during the January 8-9 crackdown on nationwide protests, making it the deadliest two-day protest massacre in history.
On January 15, Canada said that one of its citizens has died in Iran at the hands of Iranian authorities, according to a statement by the country’s foreign minister.
“Our consular officials are in contact with the victim’s family in Canada and my deepest condolences are with them at this time,” Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand said in a post on X.
“Peaceful protests by the Iranian people - asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regime’s repression and ongoing human rights violations - has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life,” she added.
