The bereaved family commemorates three years after the Iranian military shot down Flight PS752 in 12 major Canadian cities and 26 other countries.
The bereaved family commemorates three years after the Iranian military shot down Flight PS752 in 12 major Canadian cities and 26 other countries.
Canadians commemorate the third anniversary of the downing of Flight PS752 with national events
Families will march from Vancouver to Toronto and St. John's to commemorate the first anniversary of the plane crash, which killed 176 people, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
The Ukraine International Airlines plane was on its way to Canada via Ukraine when it was shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran in January 2020. An important commemorative event in north Toronto kicks off Monday at 11 a.m. with a reception and art gallery viewing.
In addition, the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims hosts a formal ceremony. A public candlelight vigil will be held at neighboring Mel Lastman Square after the private event at 2 p.m., featuring speeches from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and including other senior federal cabinet members.
The association, families, and other supporters are participating in demonstrations throughout Canada to call on Ottawa to adopt a more aggressive approach toward Iran.
On December 28, Canada and other governments started referring the Flight PS752 case to the International Court of Justice. This is to force Iran to pay the victims' families compensation.
Advocates contend that while Ottawa was in talks with Tehran, the action should have been taken sooner, and the RCMP should have opened a criminal probe.
In a Friday meeting with mourning family members, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed that Ottawa would not quit pursuing truth, justice, and accountability.