OTTAWA– Salman Sima, an Iranian‑Canadian survivor of torture and advocate for a free Iran, said during an interview with True North that “hundreds of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members” are living in Canada. He warned that this retraumatizes Iran’s refugee diaspora and accused authorities of inaction.
Sima, who fled Iran after enduring imprisonment and torture, said that IRGC agents “have a luxury life in the West with the Iranian people’s oil money.” He said this injustice deeply angers “freedom‑loving Iranians” who now reside in Canada.
He urged the Canadian government to more rigorously screen and restrict entry for human rights violators, saying they should not find sanctuary in Canada.
He warned that protestors in Canada who defend Tehran’s regime and chant against Israel only betray genuine Iranians abroad.
“Iranian officials… don’t belong to them… make me and my friends angry.”
He further criticized those who voice support for the regime, noting their silence during past atrocities such as the downing of Flight PS752 and the November 2019 crackdown. “Where were you when… over 3,000 people [were killed]… and 55 Iranian Canadians?”
“This is not pro‑Iran. Don’t dare pronounce my country’s name when you support jihad and terrorism.”
Canada officially designated the IRGC a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code in June 2024. That move followed earlier sanctions targeting thousands of Iranian officials, including IRGC leadership, in 2022.
Sima’s statements echo ongoing tensions as Iranian diaspora communities confront the contrast between authoritarian repression and calls for democracy. His demand for rigorous enforcement of Canada’s human rights and immigration laws underscores persistent concerns over the presence of regime operatives in democratic nations.
This article is based on verified information from True North, Juno News, Canada Border Services Agency records, and Canadian government announcements.
