Akram Shojae (second right) is comforted at a vigil in Toronto on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 as she mourns her son, Amir Hossein Ovaysi, daughter-in-law Sara Hamzeei and grandchild Asal Ovaysi, who were among the 176 victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 that was shot down in Iran in 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
TORONTO – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his government’s commitment to seeking justice for the victims of Flight PS752 on Sunday as he joined Canadians across the country in marking three years since the Iranian military shot the plane down.
Trudeau’s remarks came at an often-emotional ceremony in North Toronto, one of several such events taking place in 12 Canadian cities.
Family members who lost loved ones in the crash sobbed, called for justice and fiercely criticized the Iranian regime throughout the Sunday afternoon event. The Prime Minister, one of several senior dignitaries on hand, followed suit.
“This tragedy happened because of the Iranian regime’s heinous disregard for human life,” Trudeau said in remarks directed at grieving relatives.
“Your grief has been compounded by their refusal to be held accountable.”
Families took part in rallies from Vancouver to Toronto and St. John’s, N.L., to mark the anniversary of the crash, which killed 176 people including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
The Ukraine International Airlines jetliner was bound for Canada via Ukraine and shot down shortly after its takeoff from Tehran in January 2020.
The marquee ceremony, hosted by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, was preceded by a morning reception and art gallery viewing and will be followed by a candlelight vigil.
Trudeau spoke briefly with some of the victims’ family members ahead of the official ceremony, which also featured performances and presentations.
The photos and names of the victims were shared during the ceremony and a moment of silence was held to remember them.
In addition to remembering the lives lost, speakers stressed the importance of seeking justice.
“We expect the governments of the affected countries to continue to stand with us and show to the world that justice will only be achieved with the truth,” said Hamed Esmaelion, head of the association that hosted the event.
Similar calls for justice came from those who attended commemorative events outside of Toronto. They’re urging Ottawa to take a tougher stance against Iran.
On Dec. 28, Canada joined peer countries in starting the process to send the Flight PS752 case to the International Court of Justice and attempt to force Iran to compensate victims’ families.
Advocates argue the move should have come sooner and the RCMP should have launched a criminal investigation while Ottawa was negotiating with Tehran.
Trudeau met with grieving family members on Friday and said Ottawa would be relentless in fighting for truth, justice and accountability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2023.
– With files from Nojoud Al Mallees in Ottawa
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
