Iranian Canadian Journalist's Journey from Coquitlam to Kyiv

Cathy Cena (TriCities Community TV) interviews Caspian Makan, an independent, Iranian-Canadian journalist and film-maker, and the Founder of United Humans – Worldwide Human Rights Law Research Institute.

Caspian resides in the City of Coquitlam and says he felt a responsibility as a journalist to travel to Ukraine to report on the war in order that people at home could be informed. He witnessed tragic scenes – including Russian forces entering the northern part of Ukraine and killing many people, including women, children, and the elderly. Caspian says there were many signs of mass killings which he tried to document. Conditions were similar to those he witnessed in Kurdistan (Iran) in the war between Iran and Iraq. He describes the situation as upsetting and unimaginable.

Caspian left the safety of his home in Coquitlam, expecting to be injured or to never return. However, he accepted the risk and consequences as he felt it was his responsibility. He thinks Ukraine’s President Zelensky is doing a good job and that Ukrainians appreciate Zelensky’s efforts. More support is needed from the US and EU to stop Putin’s war on Ukraine. The Canadian government is helping Ukrainians, especially those who lost everything by easing immigration and refugee requirements. Caspian also praises Canada for providing light and heavy military equipment to the Ukrainian government.

Caspian recounts his travels from Netherland to Lviv and Kyiv where he witnessed mass movement of people. He was transported to some areas via ambulance. He also saw many people trying to help each other, as well as volunteers from the US, AU and the EU helping Ukrainians. He photographed upsetting scenes of prams and wheelchairs destroyed due to bombing or fights and expresses disbelief that after exercising democracy for so many years that the Russian government still treats human beings in this manner.

Neighbouring countries like Poland and Moldova (Russia recently shot down their communication tower) also support Ukraine. This help is not enough, and other countries like France, and Germany could do more. The UK has started to help, however lives continue to be lost day by day in Ukraine.