Winnipeggers took to the streets after the United States and Israel launched military intervention in Iran.
Two opposing demonstrations took place in Winnipeg on Sunday both in support of the attacks and to denounce them.
Peace Alliance gathered for a “Hands off Iran” demonstration, condemning the strikes and calling them an attack on a sovereign nation.
“We want to say it’s time to stop and Iran should be allowed live in peace,” said Glenn Michalchuk, chair, Peace Alliance Winnipeg.
“It’s important to show that the Iranian people have the right to live as they see, without interference and without intervention by other countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, some Iranian supporters of the Shah also gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate in support of the attacks.
“We are here to until the end of the regime,” said Golrokh Sanehian, volunteer with Iranian Monarchists of Manitoba.
“We are the voice (of Iranians) here,” Sanehian added. “To tell other countries what is going on in Iran. And what the regime is doing with the Iranian people.”
Iranians have expressed hope that the military intervention will help overthrow the regime after months of anti-government protests and deadly crackdown on opposition in the country.
“They are happy about the strike on the supreme leader, the dictator of Iran for nearly 38 years,” said Ramtin Teymouri.
The protesters express hope that the elimination of Ali Khamenei can lead to the new democratic future for the country.
“People are just happy that perhaps there can be a new era in history of Iran and transition to democracy,” Teymouri said.