Dozens attend vigil for victims of Flight PS752 shot down 5 years ago over Tehran

Dozens of people gathered in Richmond Hill on Tuesday to remember the 176 people who died when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by two Iranian missiles five years ago after takeoff from Tehran.

The candlelight vigil, organized by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, was held at Unity Park, near Yonge Street and Major MacKenize Drive. It was held after relatives visited three cemeteries earlier in the day. 

At the vigil, 176 photos connected to strings with lights were held aloft inside a structure in the park.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp shot down the Ukrainian airliner on Jan. 8, 2020. Among those killed were 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

Hamed Esmaeilion, who lost his wife and daughter that day, said he isn't sure Iran will ever be held responsible. 

"We hope for a day in a free Iran that we have an independent court," he said.

Arghavan Oveisi, who lost her brother, sister-in-law and niece, said the family still has questions. She said no more memories can be made with her loved ones.

"They immigrated to here seeking a normal life, a happy life," she said.

The association is planning to host a ceremony on Wednesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the downing of the flight. The ceremony is expected to include speeches, presentations and performances.