Hundreds of people gathered outside of Toronto’s Old City Hall Saturday in support of anti-government protesters in Iraq.
Attendees said the event was aimed at raising awareness of the protests that have been happening in the country since Oct. 1.
“Not enough people know what’s going on in Iraq,” said Abdulkhaleq Jraidan.
“That’s why we have this whole movement going. The movement is about raising awareness in the Western world as to what’s happening in Iraq.”
Waves of anti-government protests have engulfed parts of Baghdad and Iraq’s southern provinces since the beginning of October.
The protesters in that country are calling for an overhaul of the government system established there since the U.S.-led war began in 2003.
Demonstrators are complaining of widespread corruption, poor basic services and a lack of job opportunities, all despite vast oil reserves in the country.
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The protests have often resulted in violent clashes and government forces have led a heavy security crackdown. As of Nov. 18, at least 320 people have been killed and thousands of others were wounded in the demonstrations.
“I feel like if you are in a position of power you should use that power. That’s why we’re here,” Jraidan said outside of Old City Hall Saturday.
“Everybody’s here because they have the opportunity to come out and be able to peacefully protest. The people in Iraq don’t have that opportunity.”
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Iraq protesters block entrance, interrupt operations at country’s main port -
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Iraqi security forces use live gunfire to disperse protesters in Baghdad -
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Key Iraqi port blocked once again by protesters as soon as it reopens -
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Iraq security forces break up protests as demonstrators storm bridge -
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Baghdad protesters block bridge leading to government offices -
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At least 6 killed as security forces open fire on Iraq protesters -
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Barbers serve up fresh looks during ongoing protests in Iraq -
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At least 40 killed as fresh protests engulf Iraq -
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23 killed, almost 2,000 injured in Iraq as protests against corruption rage on -
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Iraq death toll rises to over 100, more than 6,000 wounded -
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Deadly clashes flare again in Iraq, five killed in capital -
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Iraq cuts off internet, sets curfew amid deadly protests
Some of the attendees at Saturday’s rally said they were also there collecting money to send to people affected by the protests overseas.
Meanwhile, Layan Al-Yassin said she attended the rally specifically to help raise awareness of the events in Iraq.
“I think it’s important just as an act of solidarity to show people that we’re here and there’s a lot of Iraqi people here that still worry about what’s happening back home,” she said.
“We just want to make sure people here in Canada know what’s happening.”
– With files from The Associated Press
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