Canadian citizen has died in Iran as anti-government protests continue: Anand

TORONTO – Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says a Canadian citizen has died in Iran as anti-government protests continue across the country.

In a social media post, Anand says the Canadian died “at the hands of the Iranian authorities” and consular officials are in contact with the victim’s family in Canada.

The protests over the rapid rise in the cost of living began more than two weeks ago before quickly expanding across the country, despite the government’s violent crackdown.

Anand says the peaceful protests have led the regime to “flagrantly disregard human life.”

She says Canada condemns the violence and calls for it to end immediately.

Global Affairs Canada, which has advised against travel to Iran for more than a decade, amended its warning on Tuesday to note the “ongoing nationwide demonstrations” and to suggest Canadians in Iran leave immediately.

The World Refugee and Migration Council said in a news release that it was “deeply concerned” by the sharp increase in casualties following recent demonstrations in Iran.

The group called for a response to the protests that “aligns with international human rights standards and the preservation of peaceful assembly.”

“The international community must move beyond statements of concern,” said the release.

The group is calling for action by the United Nations, targeted sanctions against senior Iranian military and security officials and support for a peaceful transition to democratic governance in Iran.

It’s also asking the international community to strengthen and support existing UN-mandated accountability efforts, and for the International Criminal Court to launch investigations into alleged crimes against humanity.

“The Iranian people have expressed a clear desire for fundamental change, demanding an end to authoritarian rule and the establishment of a government that respects universal human rights principles,” the statement read.

“Given reports of a catastrophic escalation in state violence, including over 2,500 deaths and widespread arbitrary detentions, there is an urgent need for international accountability and a principled response that upholds the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and basic dignity.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2026.