Mr. Speaker, for over four decades, the people of Iran have lived under a regime that promised hope but delivered repression, corruption and violence. Like a lion long restrained but never broken, the children of Cyrus the Great are rising once again. This is not simply because of economic collapse but because a people can be pushed only so far before they demand their freedom.
The regime answered that cry by shutting down the Internet and tearing families apart by mass arrests. Credible reports tell us that tens of thousands of people have been killed. This is how tyranny survives: by silencing the truth and ruling through terror. That is why I proudly support e-petition 7153, initiated by my constituent Reza Sadjadi.
Canada must stand with Iranians who are risking everything for their freedom. Their courage does not ask for our sympathy; it demands our action.