Canadian Killed by Iran in Protests, Minister Says

OTTAWA, Canada - A Canadian citizen was killed by Iranian authorities during ongoing antigovernment protests in Iran, Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday.

Anand shared the news in a post on X, stating, "I have just learned that a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of Iranian authorities." She extended condolences to the victim's family and noted that consular officials are in contact with them in Canada. "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 have led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life," Anand added. "This violence must end. Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regime's violence."

The death occurred amid widespread demonstrations that began more than two weeks ago, initially sparked by a rapid rise in the cost of living. The protests have since expanded across the Islamic Republic, drawing a violent response from security forces. Canadian officials, speaking on background, confirmed the individual was killed during one such protest. Global Affairs Canada issued a statement condemning the "horrific...