GRAHAM
SEEKS JUSTICE FOR DEATH OF ZAHRA KAZEMI
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham called for swift action
to bring to justice those
responsible for the tragic death of Zahra Kazemi following her arrest in Iran. "Those responsible for this horrific act
must be prosecuted," said the Minister when he learned of the
results of the Iranian government
inquiry earlier today. He welcomed the relative transparency of
the inquiry ordered by the Iranian President and the quick release
of its results, but he noted that serious questions remain unanswered.
"The treatment of Ms. Kazemi, as detailed in this report,
was a flagrant violation of her rights under international human rights
law and a breach of obligations that Iran owes to the international
community," said Minister Graham.
"We now ask the Iranian government to take the next step and proceed with the full and swift prosecution of those responsible for
Ms. Kazemi's death in order
to clearly demonstrate to Canada and the rest of the
international community that its officials are not allowed to act
with impunity, and to deter
any future violations."
Mr. Graham also expressed frustration and dismay with the
continuing Delays over the
repatriation of Ms. Kazemi's remains to Canada. "The family of Ms.
Kazemi has now spoken with one voice," he said. "The Iranian
authorities have the family's common views in writing and there should be
no further delay in having
her remains returned to Canada. It is unacceptable that
authorities in Iran continue to refuse to accept the agreed-upon
wishes of the family,"
he said, and called on Iranian authorities to take immediate action.
