Montreal Women’s Group Distances Itself from Spokesperson Supporting Iranian Regime

A prominent Montreal women’s organization, Mothers at the Front, has publicly distanced itself from one of its spokespersons, Khadija Barbe, after she openly supported a march initiated by Ayatollah Khomeini and displayed the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The move comes after concerns were raised regarding the alignment of Barbe’s views with the organization’s mission.

Controversial Support for Quds Day March

The controversy began when a committee within Mothers at the Front showed support on Facebook for a Quds Day march scheduled to take place in Montreal. Quds Day, initiated in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini, promotes the idea of “liberating Jerusalem” and is viewed by some as supporting the Iranian regime. Similar events have been banned in England due to their contentious nature and perceived support for Iran.

Barbe was too photographed displaying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran during a women’s rights march on March 8th. This further fueled concerns about her alignment with the organization’s values.

Mothers at the Front Responds

Mireille Elchacar, president of Mothers at the Front, stated that the organization requested Barbe cease organizing activities under the group’s name, emphasizing that her positions did not align with their principles. Laure Waridel, a co-founder of the organization, explicitly stated on Facebook that the Iranian flag had “absolutely NOTHING to do with Mothers at the Front,” and that the Iranian regime goes against the movement’s values.

Barbe had publicly expressed admiration for the groups organizing the Quds Day events in Montreal, the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) and Montreal4Palestine (M4P), praising their consistent activism over 106 weeks.

Background on Quds Day and the Khomeini Regime

Quds Day was established in 1979 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder and first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini family Khomeini’s leadership followed the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty. Ayatollah Khomeini Biography The event advocates for the “liberation of Jerusalem” and is often associated with anti-Israel sentiment.

The Advisory Center for Jewish and Israeli Relations (CIJA) has warned of potential risks associated with the Quds Day march, urging Canadian authorities to ensure public safety.

Iran’s Repressive Policies Towards Women

Iran is widely recognized as a highly repressive regime, particularly towards women. The 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-vintage Iranian woman who died after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code, sparked widespread protests and international condemnation.

As of Thursday, Elchacar confirmed that Barbe had left Mothers at the Front.