Victims’ families mark six-year anniversary of Flight PS752 downing in Iran

RICHMOND HILL – The group representing families of passengers killed in the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in Iran said it will continue to seek justice, as the victims’ loved ones and government officials marked the tragedy’s six-year anniversary on Thursday.

“This is a solemn day. It’s a difficult day,” Kourosh Doustshenas, a spokesperson for the families’ association, said at a ceremony in Richmond Hill, Ont., north of Toronto.

“Looking at the pictures of our loved ones, it just reminds us why we are here.”

The plane was shot down on Jan. 8, 2020, by two Iranian missiles just minutes after taking off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents in Canada.

Doustshenas said families were gathering in Canada, Iran and around the world to remember the victims and call for accountability. 

He said the association, along with Canada and other countries, has taken the case against the Iranian regime to the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Court of Justice.

He said Canada and other affected countries, including the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Sweden, should request urgent and “extraordinary” action by the International Court of Justice.

“For years, the Islamic Republic has harassed, detained, integrated and tortured family members (in Iran). Passport have been confiscated. Gravestone has been destroyed. Families have been pressured to reconcile with the regime,” Doustshenas said.

He said the families’ association has also filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court, but there is still no active criminal case there.

“We continue to call on the RCMP to open a criminal investigation,” he said. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who attended the ceremony in Richmond Hill along with other federal and provincial politicians, said the memory of Flight PS752 victims is guiding the government’s pursuit of justice.

“It was an incredible honour and privilege for me before the ceremony began to meet some of the mothers who have suffered for six years after losing their children and their family members,” she said. 

“I deeply, deeply commit to all of you that we will continue on the efforts to seek justice, truth, and accountability.”

In a statement marking the anniversary, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada stands with families of the victims as they grieve and continue to seek accountability.

“The shocking and unlawful downing of Flight PS752 left a profound mark on Canadians, and Canada remains unwavering in our commitment to hold Iran accountable,” he said. 

At the anniversary ceremony, Anand also acknowledged current protests in Iran against the regime and its use of violence and repressive tactics.

“I recognize that many, many of you have family and friends in Iran. And that they may be impacted, are likely impacted by these ongoing events,” she said. “I’m personally inspired by the courage and the determination of the protesters to seek tangible change.”

She noted that Canada sanctioned 210 Iranian individuals and 254 entities in response to the Iranian regime’s human rights violations over time and listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Ontario government said it will provide $350,000 to the City of Richmond Hill to build a memorial honouring the victims of flight PS752. Construction is expected to begin later this year and finish next year. 

“This memorial is a place to remember the lives lost and to recognize the enduring strength of the families who continue to seek justice and accountability,” Citizenship and Multiculturalism Minister Graham McGregor said in a statement.

Human rights activists and elected officials also attended a candlelight vigil in Richmond Hill’s Unity Park on Wednesday night, where speakers included the mayor and the local member of Parliament.

Other events marking the sombre anniversary were also planned Thursday in Windsor, Ont., and Vancouver. 

Last year, Ontario’s highest court upheld a ruling that found Ukraine International Airlines legally responsible for paying full compensation to victims’ families.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2026.