Canadian truckers' "Freedom Convoy" protests against COVID-19 restrictions, ongoing since late January, have caused a crisis in Canada and inspired protests in countries across the world.
As Canadian police warned protesters occupying central Ottawa on Thursday of a crisis prime minister Justin Trudeau labeled a "threat to public safety," notable names have been voicing their opinion on the matter.
"The violent crackdown on #FreedomConvoy2022 has nothing to do with freedom of speech and human rights," former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tweeted.
"How coercion could be related to liberty & freedom of choice?" the Iranian wrote, signing off with the #TruckersForFreedom hashtag.
The Violent crackdown on #FreedomConvoy2022 has nothing to do with freedom of speech and human rights. How coercion could be related to liberty & freedom of choice?#TruckersForFreedom
— Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (@Ahmadinejad1956) February 17, 2022
The anti-government protests, which temporarily caused a shutdown of border crossings between Canada and the US, quieted down at four US border points after police threatened protesters with fines and jail time, convincing the truckers to retreat.
On Monday, Trudeau activated rarely used emergency powers in an effort to end the protests, which are now supported by the former Iranian president.
The demonstrations have inspired more protests in countries such as Israel and France.
On Monday, an Israeli protest convoy against coronavirus restrictions drove along the main highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Outside the Knesset, protesters sounded horns and beat drums, and called for pandemic restrictions to be lifted.
French police stopped 50 vehicles attempting their own 'Freedom Convoy' in Paris on Saturday morning.