Hundreds of people, many who fled Iran or still have family there, marched along Balboa Avenue and waved flags to bring attention to the political violence there.

SAN DIEGO — More than 500 protesters gathered around Balboa and Genesee in Clairemont on Saturday to show support for those in Iran protesting against their government, as the situation in the country grows increasingly dire with reports of more than 500 people killed and thousands injured.

Among the demonstrators was Dr. Tania Hormozi, who fled Iran decades ago as a 5-year-old child to escape religious persecution. 

“It was very, very amazing to see the amount of Iranians that came out,” she said.

Hormozi emphasized the broader implications of the Iranian government’s actions. 

“What people don’t understand is that the Islamic Republic is not just an entity that forces people to convert or believe in Islam. It’s an entity that takes everyone’s basic rights away,” she said.

The situation in Iran has made it difficult for San Diegans with connections to the country to obtain information about what is happening on the ground. With internet and phone service cut off, many local residents say they have been unable to reach family members for days, describing the circumstances as heart-wrenching.

Kourash Taghavi, another San Diegan with family in Iran, characterized the government’s response to the protests as severe. 

“It’s not a crackdown, it’s a massacre at this point. And they have the luxury of the world not being about to see what’s happening,” said Taghavi, whose brother remains in Iran. 

Taghavi declined to share his brother’s photograph, fearing it could jeopardize his safety.

Despite the dangers, Taghavi expressed admiration for those participating in the protests. 

“They are in it to win it. It seems one way or another, and I have faith in the people who are in the streets, and they know exactly what they want. They want justice. They want their dignity back. They want equality,” he said.

The protesters are calling for multiple changes, including a better economic structure, but their primary demand centers on freedom and basic human rights. Goals that they believe can only be accomplished with a new form of government.

Another rally is scheduled for the same location on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2-4 p.m.