Defending Free Speech and Standing Against Repression

We of the Iranian Canadian Congress value democracy and freedom of expression. Our mandate is “advocating  peace, dialogue, and collaboration between Canada and other nations” and “promoting and strengthening the cross-cultural harmony to advance tolerance, understanding, and goodwill among all segments of the multicultural Canadian society.”  

We have repeatedly expressed concern with the erosion of such fundamental rights in the current political climate. We strongly condemn the recent detention of author and political activist Yves Engler after spurious charges were brought against him, violating his freedom of speech and expression. Yves was targeted due to his relentless work in protesting the ongoing genocide in Palestine.  Meanwhile, according to The Lancet, the killing of over 100,000 people in Palestine continue unabated, and those who dare to resist this injustice face political repression.  

Yves was detained for five days in late February 2025, denied sufficient access to his lawyer, and subjected to conditions intended to silence him—including explicitly being forbidden to speak about his treatment at the hands of the police. Thanks to relentless pressure from his progressive community, Yves was finally released. His courage in standing against genocide while defending liberty and freedom of expression deserves our unwavering solidarity. 

The tactic used against Yves has been applied consistently to suppress dissent and stifle those who stand against war crimes and oppression. Furthermore, the courts and legal system have been weaponized against democratic processes on university campuses. For example, an injunction was recently placed against the Student Society of McGill University after student members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a  Policy Against Genocide in Palestine.  More recently, a lawsuit  was initiated contesting the SSMU Policy Against Antisemitism, which distinguished antisemitism from criticism of Israel and Zionism. The lawsuits came on the heels of the university having threatened to withhold funding from the university organization due to its association with  pro-Palestinian student clubs.  
 
While similar lawsuits have been dismissed due to the flimsy basis of accusations, the continued onslaught against activists brings about a chilling effect. Vocal opponents of genocide such as Yves become cautionary examples for those who would dare speak out. We worry, with legislation such as Bill C-70, that events like this become more common.  
 
We will not be silent in the face of injustice and stand with all those who refuse to be intimidated in their pursuit of truth.

We demand the immediate retraction of the baseless charges against Yves and all those who speak truth to power.