Kamyar Mohin-Sa, Iranian-Canadian Police Officer, Tells VOA: Defections in the 'Law Enforcement Force' Have Increased

An Iranian-Canadian police officer in Vancouver, Kamyar Mohin-Sa, stated in an interview with VOA Persian that he is in contact with many officers of the Law Enforcement Force in Iran, and that defections and civil disobedience among them have intensified. Mohin-Sa, who immigrated to Canada at the age of 13, expressed that this country has given him a sense of security and he feels encouraged to 'create peace and security for this community' in return for the kindness of Canadian society. He noted the appeal of the 'awe of the police', 'law', and 'the manner of Canadian police' and how it influenced his choice of this profession during his adolescence. His activities for raising awareness before the onset of protests in Iran in September 2022 were primarily focused on the 'Iranian community in Vancouver.' Mohin-Sa emphasized that after the start of nationwide protests, 'we all became political activists and human rights activists; we could not remain indifferent and do nothing,' which led him to add activities regarding Iranian issues on social media, especially Instagram. He mentioned that after the killing of Kian Pirfalak, he took his activities regarding Iranian issues more seriously. He recalled the words of a 10-year-old child who was killed in Izeh, who told his father before his death, 'Dad, let's trust the police this time,' which he said he would 'always remember for the rest of his life,' promising himself to do everything he can to ensure that one day Iranian children can also trust the police. Mohin-Sa further stated that he is directly in contact with many personnel of the Law Enforcement Force in Iran, and 'the majority of them are protesting and are with the people, and they are caught in a very bad dilemma.' According to him, protesting officers in the Law Enforcement Force 'are in very secure conditions and in this economic situation,' if they leave their jobs, they will face difficulties in providing for their families, and 'even though they do not want to go to work, to be government police, and confront their people, they have to.' He emphasized that the authorities of the Islamic Republic have taken the passports of some members of the Law Enforcement Force because they fear they will escape. Mohin-Sa stated that 'it is very hard for police to be honest in the corrupt system of the Islamic Republic,' adding that 'I know many police officers who are dedicated and caring individuals, and their hearts beat for the people.' He has tried to understand the position of police in the world and where the position of police in a wealthy country like Iran could be after the Islamic Republic. He emphasized the 'defections within the Law Enforcement Force,' saying that many police officers in Iran have told him they have 'retired themselves or are looking for other jobs because they are unwilling to go to work.' He also mentioned that 'protesting police officers are doing civil disobedience as much as they can at their workplaces,' and 'I am sure this path will lead to results, as defections have increased significantly.' Mohin-Sa also commented on the execution of three protesters related to the 'Isfahan House' case, describing these 'bloodshed' as a 'public and collective grief' for Iranians, stating that the Islamic Republic has proven that there is no justice and transparency in its judicial system and sees no difference between the guilty and the innocent.