Six Years Later: The Unending Grief and Quest for Justice for Flight PS752

Six years have passed since the cold morning in Tehran when two surface-to-air missiles brought down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Today, the families of the 176 victims—representing a massive loss for the Iranian-Canadian community—gather once again, not just to mourn, but to demand the accountability that has remained elusive since 2020.

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A Legacy of Loss

The victims were students, newlyweds, professors, and entire families. Today’s commemorations reflect the geographic scale of the tragedy:

• Richmond Hill, Ontario: As the heart of the Iranian-Canadian community, this remains the central hub for the “Justice for PS752” movement.
• Academic Tributes: Across Canada, universities are holding moments of silence for the dozens of scholars and researchers who were aboard the flight.
• The Global Vigil: Simultaneous events in Europe and the Middle East underscore that this remains an international grievance.

The Two-Front Battle for Accountability

The sixth anniversary is marked by a shift from public protests to complex legal marathons. The families are currently navigating two distinct paths:

1. The State Level: Canada and its allies in the Coordination Group are deep into proceedings at the International Court of Justice. They are challenging Iran’s “intentional” withholding of evidence and seeking a formal declaration of state responsibility.
2. The Corporate Level: Following a landmark Ontario court ruling in 2025, the focus has also turned toward Ukraine International Airlines. The court found the airline negligent for not grounding flights despite the clear and present military danger in Iranian airspace at the time.

“Justice is the Only Way to Heal”

For many family members, this anniversary is inextricably linked to the broader “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran. Organizers emphasize that the lack of transparency regarding PS752 is a symptom of a larger systemic issue. By advocating for the victims of the crash, families believe they are also advocating for the rights of those currently facing repression within Iran.

“Six years is not a long time when you are waiting for the truth,” said one family member during a morning vigil. “The world may move on to other headlines, but for us, it is always January 8th.”