• Source:JND

Canadian Member of Parliament Roman Baber has joined a viral protest trend against Iran’s clerical leadership by lighting a cigar with a burning photograph of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The video, posted on social media platform X on Monday, shows Baber standing outside his office as he sets fire to Khamenei’s image and uses the flames to light his cigar. He captioned the post with an expletive aimed at the Iranian leader and the hashtag #FreeIran2026. 

The act comes amid widespread protests in Iran driven by worsening economic conditions, soaring inflation and growing public anger against political repression. Demonstrations have been reported across several cities, with authorities responding through force and communication blackouts. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 646 people have been killed during the unrest.

Internet Shutdowns And Symbolic Resistance

As Iran moved to block internet access in parts of the country, images and videos of women lighting cigarettes using burning photos of Khamenei spread rapidly online. The trend has become a symbol of resistance, highlighting Iranian women’s pushback against rigid social and political controls, even as the state attempts to cut off protesters from the outside world.

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Trend Originated Outside Iran

Despite its strong association with protests inside Iran, the viral trend reportedly began in Canada. The first widely shared image featured a 25-year-old Iranian woman living in Canada, later dubbed “Morticia Addams” by social media users. She was reportedly arrested during the November 2019 protests in Iran and said she shared the image as a symbolic act of solidarity. “Every time I was on the street. This time I couldn’t be. Forgive me, Mother Iran,” she wrote.

Canada, Allies Condemn Tehran

Canada has repeatedly expressed support for Iranian protesters. In a joint statement issued earlier this month with Australia and the European Union, Ottawa strongly condemned the killing of protesters, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by Iranian security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij. The statement urged Iran to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. 

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