'Human chain' protest in solidarity with Iran will link 30,000 people across the Lions Gate Bridge

It's expected to be the biggest human chain ever in B.C.

This Saturday, Oct. 29 over 140 major cities around the world will participate in a Global Day of Action, including Vancouver.

The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims has organized a human chain that is expected to be the largest in B.C.'s history with an estimated 30,000 people congregating on the Lions Gate Bridge.

The human chain is taking place in solidarity with protesters in Iran who have been fighting for the rights of women. The protests in Iran garnered international attention when Mahsa Amini died in police custody after being arrested, allegedly because her headscarf was too loose.

Since then, Vancouver's Persian community has held human chains and rallies that involved women removing their hijabs and cutting their hair.

This weekend's human chain is set to span from the North Shore to the Stanley Park Causeway along the pedestrian sidewalk on either side of the bridge. The event will begin at noon and will conclude later in the afternoon.

Organizers invite citizens, advocacy groups, multicultural communities, policy-makers, and Canadian elected officials to link arms in support of the people working to formally denounce the current regime that Iranian citizens are saying is committing violence and human rights violations against their own people.

"It is imperative that we send a clear message to the Iranian Regime that Canada is aware of the plight of ordinary Iranians—and that Canadians support their brave efforts to be free," says the event media release.

The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims is a registered non-profit named for a flight that was shot down by missiles on January 8, 2020 after taking off from Tehran’s IKA airport. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) admitted to bringing down the plane but the organization says that the reason why has not been revealed. Reportedly 176 passengers and crew were onboard including 55 Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Global Human Chain Event

When: Saturday, October 29, noon - 2 p.m.
Where: Lions Gate Bridge

With files from Maria Diment