If you’re Iranian, or even if you have any connection to Iran, the impact of the Islamic Republic is not just a matter of abstract politics. For many, it is a painful reality that has profoundly affected lives, families, and futures—through fear, loss, exile, censorship, or the heartbreak of watching loved ones suffer. To see relatives of Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the regime, residing safely in the West while regular Iranians endure its grim repercussions, highlights a palpable and personal sense of injustice.

Today, we call on the Government of Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address this concern by reviewing the presence of Naeima Taheri, the great-granddaughter of Ruhollah Khomeini, in Canada. Her continued residency in a country that values freedom and democratic principles is distressing to many who have seen the catastrophic impacts of her great-grandfather’s legacy.

The presence of such individuals in Canada is not in congruence with the values and principles that Canadians hold dear—values of human rights, justice, and accountability. It's not just about one individual's residency; it's about upholding a standard where those associated closely, albeit indirectly, with oppressive regimes are scrutinized and held accountable for the societal rupture caused by their familial connections.

Moreover, with Iran continually reported by reputable global organizations as engaging in severe human rights abuses—from freedom of expression to cases of torture and unlawful executions—it is essential that Canada maintain its stance on supporting those affected by such cruelty, rather than harbouring individuals linked to its perpetration. This situation undermines the moral obligation Canada has to stand with victims of despotism and authoritarian rule.

We request the Canadian authorities to take decisive action. This would not only demonstrate policy coherence in refugee and immigration practices but also ensure that Canada remains a sanctuary for those fleeing oppression, rather than those with associative ties to regimes that perpetuate it.

Join us in urging the Government of Canada and IRCC to prioritize reviewing Naeima Taheri's presence in Canada and take steps toward her removal from the country. Sign this petition to uphold the integrity of our immigrant welcome and ensure justice and dignity to those who have suffered under the Iranian regime.