Iranian‑Canadians reflect on freedom, change, and the fight for women’s rights

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Iranian‑Canadians are feeling a ... mix of hope and relief.

An Iranian woman in Montreal, who didn’t want her name published because she fears that speaking out against the regime could put her at risk, said she hopes the attack in Iran will spur change.

She said she moved from Iran in 2014 because “the financial situation began to deteriorate, and anti-women policies and rules became very numerous.” She has PhD in education from the University of Montreal and is a French teacher.

She described feeling both hopeful and cautious after the death of Khamenei.

“We can now hope for regime change. At the same time, we are afraid this military intervention will not lead to regime change. It’s a roller-coaster of emotions,” she said.

She added that she and her family are planning a trip to Iran this summer.

“Our families are there. If the regime falls, we will be able to go. If not, it will be complicated, because since January, we have been working hard to bring about regime change, not just me, but all my friends. We are mobilized.”

She said that in a few years, she and her husband hope to return permanently.

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