June 15, 2005 No. 108 The Government of Canada tabled the chronology of events relating to the Zahra Kazemi case in the House of Commons. The tabling was in response to Q135 posed by the Member from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Alexa McDonough. “Zahra Kazemi’s death is far more than a consular case,” said Minister Pettigrew. “It represents a clear violation, by a state, of international human rights norms and laws. The grave circumstances of her arrest and killing have attracted sustained international attention, as well as expressions of support and solidarity in the search for justice.” “As we approach the second anniversary of her arrest in front of the Evin prison in Tehran, I believe it’s in the public interest to know more about the government’s extensive efforts to pursue justice following this brutal murder,” added the Minister. The attached backgrounder provides a chronology of some of the key events surrounding the death of Ms. Kazemi, as well as the Canadian government’s efforts and interventions to urge Iran to resolve the case, and to improve its broader human rights performance. The chronology outlines, wherever possible, or legal, the actions of the Government of Canada to date. In certain instances, due to privacy legislation and international relations considerations, the Government of Canada is unable to disclose details of meetings and conversations that Canadian officials had with officials from other countries and organizations. - 30 - A backgrounder is attached. For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca Backgrounder EVENTS IN THE ZAHRA KAZEMI CASE June 23, 2003, 5:40 p.m. • Ms. Kazemi is arrested for taking photos of the Evin Detention Centre in Tehran. Between June 23 and June 27 • According to the later Iranian government report, Ms. Kazemi was interrogated by a variety of security officials for approximately 77 hours following her arrest. June 27, 2003, 12:20 a.m. • Ms. Kazemi is admitted to the Baghiatollah hospital in Tehran. July 3 or 4, 2003 • Family members in Iran are notified of Ms. Kazemi’s hospitalization by Iranian authorities. July 7, 2003 • Family members in Iran contact the Canadian Embassy seeking help. • Foreign Affairs consular officials visit Ms. Kazemi in the Intensive Care Unit. July 8, 2003 • Consular officials visit Ms. Kazemi at the hospital a second time and speak to the Director of the Hospital about Ms. Kazemi’s condition. • Canada seeks information surrounding the circumstances that led to Ms. Kazemi’s injuries and hospitalization. July 9, 2003 • A consular official from the Canadian Embassy meets with Ms. Kazemi’s family in Iran. July 10, 2003 • Iran’s Ambassador to Canada is summoned to a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Deputy stresses Canada’s deep concern with Ms. Kazemi’s condition, requests Iranian cooperation in securing independent medical treatment, and reiterates Canada’s request for an investigation. • Foreign Affairs consular officials visit Ms. Kazemi in the Baghiatollah Hospital a third time. July 12, 2003 • The Iranian government announces Ms. Kazemi’s death on the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). • Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham issues a news release expressing sorrow and regret on Ms. Kazemi’s death. July 13, 2003 • The President of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, announces a ministerial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Kazemi’s death, which is to be carried out by the ministers of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Justice, Information and Security. • Canada seeks a meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister. • Canada’s Ambassador to Iran, Philip MacKinnon meets with the Director General for Consular Affairs and requests a transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to Ms. Kazemi’s death. July 14, 2003 • Canada’s Ambassador to Iran, Philip MacKinnon, raises the death of Ms. Kazemi with the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. • Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Manley, states that Canadian-Iranian relations would be affected if her death was not satisfactorily explained. July 15, 2003 • Ambassador MacKinnon meets with Deputy Minister who is responsible for Europe and America at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reiterates Canada’s request for a transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to Ms. Kazemi’s death. July 16, 2003 • The Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Ali Abtahi announces that Ms. Kazemi died as a result of a skull fracture after sustaining a “blow” while in custody. • Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham calls Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi to express Canada’s deep concern over the death of Ms. Kazemi and the lack of cooperation by Iranian authorities. • Prime Minister Jean Chrétien calls for a transparent investigation into Ms. Kazemi’s death. He also states that those responsible should be brought to justice. July 20, 2003 • Ambassador MacKinnon meets with the Director General of Consular Affairs at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. July 21, 2003 • The Iranian Presidential Inquiry Committee releases its report into Ms. Kazemi’s death. • Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham issues a news release calling for swift justice for those responsible for the death of Ms. Kazemi. The release also expresses Canada’s frustration and dismay at continuing delays over the repatriation of Ms. Kazemi’s remains. July 22, 2003 • The IRNA publishes a letter from Mrs. Ezzat Kazemi dated July 22, 2003 which states that she wishes to have her daughter buried in Shiraz, Iran. • The Department of Foreign Affairs summons the Iranian Chargé d’affaires to seek confirmation of the rumours regarding the possible burial of Ms. Kazemi on July 23, 2003 in her home town, Shiraz. • Ambassador MacKinnon speaks to the Director General of the Americas Department in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to protest the interment of Ms. Kazemi in Iran, citing the consensus reached among the family to bury Ms. Kazemi in Montreal, Canada. July 23, 2003 • Ambassador MacKinnon meets with the Director General responsible for America in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. • Reports indicate that Ms. Kazemi was buried several hours earlier the same day in her home town of Shiraz, as per a decision by an unidentified court. • Foreign Affairs Minister Graham announces the recall of the Canadian Ambassador to Iran for consultations in Canada. • Prime Minister Jean Chrétien publicly condemns the Iranian authorities for burying Ms. Kazemi in Iran against the wishes of her son, Stephan Hachemi. July 24, 2003 • Canada explains to the Iranian Foreign Ministry the recall of Head of Mission. July 25, 2003 • Iranian officials say that Judge Javad Esmaili has already begun his investigations into the death of Zahra Kazemi. July 26, 2003 • Iranian government announces that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of Zahra Kazemi. July 28, 2003 • Canada demands information on the identity of the five detainees and the charges laid against them. July 29, 2003 • Minister Graham speaks to Iran’s Foreign Minister. As reported, the Iranian government has assigned a special prosecutor to the case and five intelligence and prison officials have been arrested. July 30, 2003 • Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Ali Abtahi tells reporters after a cabinet meeting that Kazemi’s death was likely a murder caused by a blow to the head. • In an exclusive interview by Yas e no, Mrs. Ezzat Kazemi states that she was pressured by Iranian authorities to provide her consent to have her daughter buried in Shiraz, Iran. • The Iranian Majlis Article 90 Commission pursues its own line of investigation into the death of Ms. Kazemi, parallel to current judicial inquiry under Judge Esmaili. August 5, 2003 • Two female Iranian prison guards detained in connection with Ms. Kazemi’s death are released on bail while three others are held and questioned. • Minister Graham speaks with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. August 17, 2003 • Minister Graham speaks with the Iranian Foreign Minister. August 25, 2003 • The Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), citing the Inspector of the Criminal Court, reports that two Iranian interrogators have been detained in Ms. Kazemi’s death and are expected to face legal charges. The inspector is reported as describing Ms. Kazemi’s death as “quasi-intentional murder.” August 26, 2003 • The Iranian Intelligence Ministry rejects all accusations. August 27, 2003 • Canadian Embassy Chargé d’affaires meets with Iranian Chief Revolutionary Prosecutor. August 28, 2003 • Minister Graham told journalists he finds it difficult to believe that two lower-level people would be responsible for the death of Ms. Kazemi without the orders of people higher up, and stresses the importance of a full and transparent investigation. August 31, 2003 • Canada seeks a meeting with Judiciary Tehran Prosecutor. • Canada seeks a meeting with members of the Majlis Article 90 Commission. September 1, 2003 • Tehran Deputy Prosecutor General rejects charges issued against the two Intelligence Ministry agents, returning the indictments issued August 25 and calling for further investigations into the charges. • Committee 90 received a letter from Chief Prosecutor, indicating that it will study its contents before releasing a report. • Chargé d’affaires meets with Iranian MFA. September 7, 2003 • Chargé d’affaires meets with Iranian MFA. September 8, 2003 • Chargé d’affaires meets with Deputy Head of International Relations of the Iranian Judiciary. September 16, 2003 • Chargé d’affaires meets with Head of the International branch of the Iranian Judiciary. September 22, 2003 • One Intelligence Ministry Agent is charged for the “semi-intentional murder” of Zahra Kazemi. He is one of the two agents previously arrested and subsequently released. September 23, 2003 • Chargé d’affaires meets with head of the international branch of the Iranian Judiciary. September 29, 2003 • Ambassador MacKinnon is sent back to Tehran carrying a letter from Prime Minister Chrétien to President Khatami. October 1, 2003 • Canadian Permanent Mission in Geneva meets with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to discuss, inter alia, Iran’s human rights performance and the Kazemi case. • Chargé d’affaires meets with MFA Director First Department America. • Canada seeks a meeting with Majlis Article 90 Commission members. October 4, 2003 • Iranian Judiciary officials announce that the trial of the accused in Ms. Kazemi’s murder is set to begin Tuesday, October 7. October 7, 2003 • Trial opens. Accused categorically rejects accusation. His lawyer asks for suspension of proceedings for one month in order for him to study the facts of the accusation. • Ambassador MacKinnon is present, as are many international media representatives. October 15, 2003 • Canada seeks a meeting with Deputy Head of International Relations of the Judiciary. October 27, 2003 • Canada outlines its intention to have a third seat in courtroom reserved for NGO representatives. • Canada seeks a meeting with Majlis Article 90 Commission members. Late October/Early November 2003 • Canada begins working with international partners to put forth a Human Rights resolution on Iran at the UN General Assembly, and to lobby for its adoption. November 2003 • Ambassador MacKinnon meets with UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression during the Special Rapporteur’s visit to Iran. November 6, 2003 • Letter from Minister Graham to Bertrand Ramcharan, Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights. November 17, 2003 • Canada officially tables a resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. November 21, 2003 • Resolution is adopted by large majority by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly (vote of 73 Yes, 49 No, 50 Abstentions). December 15, 2003 • Canada asks for copies of all photographic material and reports associated with the autopsy performed on Zahra Kazemi. December 22, 2003 • Canadian sponsored resolution on Iran’s Human Rights is adopted by the UN General Assembly (vote of 68 Yes, 54 No, 51 Abstentions). January 7, 2004 • Canada seeks a meeting with Iranian Deputy Head of International Relations of the Judiciary. February 5, 2004 • Round table on Iran in Ottawa during Annual FAC-NGO human rights consultations. February 20, 2004 • Philip MacKinnon, Canadian ambassador to Iran, on an outreach mission to Montreal holds a meeting with concerned individuals on the Kazemi case developments. March 24, 2004 • Canada delivers annual “country statement” at the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, which specifically raises the issue of human rights in Iran. March 31, and April 1, 2004 • Canadian representatives raise the issue of Iran’s human rights performance, including the Kazemi case, with UN Special Mechanisms in Geneva at the Commission on Human Rights, including the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. May 4, 2004 • Canada seeks a meeting with Deputy Head of International Relations of the Judiciary. June 24, 2004 • Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham telephones Iranian Foreign Minister Kharrazi. June 25, 2004 • Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham sends a letter to FM Kharrazi asking him to reconsider decision to refuse access to Canadians at the Kazemi trial. July 6, 2004 • Assistant Deputy Minister calls in Iranian Ambassador and asks for a reply to Minister Graham’s letter as to whether or not Iran has reconsidered Canada’s request to allow observers at the trial. July 14, 2004 • President Khatami makes the following statement to reporters on the Kazemi trial: “According to the information that I received, I still believe that the accused is not guilty. I hope that the tribunal, with determination and courage, will name the real guilty person.” • Minister Graham holds a joint press conference with Stéphan Hachemi and announces that Ambassador Philip MacKinnon will be recalled to protest Iran’s decision to bar Canadians from observing the Kazemi trial due to open July 17. July 16, 2004 • Iranian press reports that the trial of the person charged in the death of Zahra Kazemi will be open. There are no specific indications as to whether or not foreign observers will be allowed in the courtroom. July 17, 2004 • Trial of accused of Zahra Kazemi’s murder begins at 9:00 a.m. • Kazemi family lawyer, Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi, argues that a first-degree murder has taken place, and the case must therefore be attended by the provincial criminal court, which has five judges. The judge points out that the accused was charged with second-degree murder. Ebadi asserts “we reserve the right to raise this objection in the Appeals court.” • Canadian ambassador Philip MacKinnon (not yet departed from Tehran), the Dutch Ambassador (for the EU) and a British diplomat enter the court room and hear the proceedings. July 18, 2004 • Foreign diplomats including Ambassador MacKinnon are refused access to the trial. They wait outside the courtroom for 90 minutes. • The trial is abruptly terminated and Judge Farahani announced he would make his decision known within the week as to his verdict. Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi and her team of lawyers defending the Kazemi family was outraged by this denial of justice and said they would look to take the case to international courts. • Minister Graham reiterates the recall of Ambassador MacKinnon. July 24, 2004 • Announcement appears on IRNA stating that the accused, Reza Ahmadi has been cleared of charges. • Other media report that since no guilty party has been identified, the “blood money” will be paid out by government funds. July 25-26, 2004 • EU and UN statements issued on the acquittal. • Canadian Foreign Minister Pettigrew issues statement: “This trial has done nothing to answer the real questions about how Ms. Kazemi died or to bring the perpetrators of her murder to justice.” July 26, 2004 • Minister Pettigrew speaks to Iranian Ambassador to convey indignation and urge Iran to respect its obligations nationally and internationally. July 27, 2004 • Minister Pettigrew and Foreign Affairs officials meet with Stephan Hachemi and his lawyers. July 28, 2004 • Iran’s judiciary says the head injuries that killed Ms. Kazemi were the result of an accident. “With the acquittal of the sole defendant, only one option is left: the death of the late Kazemi was an accident due to a fall in blood pressure resulting from a hunger strike and her fall on the ground while standing,” says a judiciary statement. • Foreign Affairs rejects this explanation as lacking all credibility. August 8, 2004 • Canada demands a copy of the press release issued by the Judiciary alleging that Zahra Kazemi’s death could be connected to a hunger strike she was on. Early September 2004 • Canada begins consultations with like-minded partners and lobbying on a second General Assembly resolution on Iran’s human rights performance. November 10, 2004 • Canada officially tables a resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly for the second year in a row. Nov. 17, 2004 • Canada-sponsored resolution on Iran’s human rights performance adopted by Third Committee of UN General Assembly (vote of 69 Yes, 55 No, 51 Abstentions). No. 22, 2004 • Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva meets with Louise Arbour, UN Human Rights High Commissioner. Nov. 23, 2004 • Foreign Affairs Minister Pettigrew issues press release to announce return of a Canadian Ambassador to Iran, reflecting the need to have the highest possible level of representation in Iran in order to ensure that Canadian views are heard and appropriate liaison with the family’s legal team occurs. Dec. 17, 2004 • Canadian sponsored resolution on Iran’s Human Rights is adopted by the UN General Assembly (vote of 71 Yes, 54 No, 51 Abstentions). January 12, 2005 • A brief article by ILNA announces that the Kazemi appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal #34 from the Province of Tehran. January 31 to February 6, 2005 • Canadian Embassy officials meet with UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women during the Special Rapporteur’s visit to Iran. February 3, 2005 • Round table on Iran in Ottawa during Annual FAC-NGO human rights consultations. February 8, 2005 • Iran’s ambassador to Britain states during a conference that Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi was murdered by Iranian security officials and it was a mistake. He retracts his words shortly thereafter. • Canadian Embassy in Iran is instructed to raise the matter with Iranian Government and demand an explanation. February 21, 2005 • The Kazemi appeal is examined by a judge and his assistants behind closed doors in order to decide whether or not the hearing will be public. No date is set for the hearing. March 7, 2005 • In a meeting with Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Canada reiterates Iran’s human rights obligations in the Kazemi case. March 14, 2005 • In his address to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Minister Pettigrew points specifically to Iran, saying that: “Iran continues to fail to implement many of its international obligations with respect to human rights; the time has come for Iran to show its willingness to address its human rights record. The human rights violations in Iran are serious and they must stop.” March 15, 2005 • Canadian Ambassador at Permanent Mission in Geneva meets with Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi. March 24, 2005 • Canada delivers annual “country statement” at the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, which specifically raises human rights in Iran. • Canada strongly criticizes violations of human rights in Iran during its country speech at Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. “The two resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on Iran over the last two years reflect the serious concerns expressed by the international community on the human rights situation in this country. Regrettably, the situation in Iran with respect to human rights, democratic development and good governance did not improve in 2004. The status of freedom of expression remains dire. Arbitrary detentions continue, as well as the sentencing to death of juveniles, the practice of solitary confinement, and the jailing of political prisoners alongside violent criminals. Persecution and discrimination directed at persons belonging to religious minorities continues to be a serious concern. The Government of Iran has obligations to its citizens—through its commitments under international human rights instruments, and through the Iranian constitution. These obligations must be respected, and human rights violations must stop.” March 26, 2005 • Canadian Ambassador Gordon Venner presents credentials to President Khatami. March 31, 2005 • Canadian Ambassador Venner in Geneva meets with a visiting Iranian delegation from the Iranian Judiciary. • In a press conference organized by Stephan Hachemi and his lawyers, Dr. Shahram Aazam, the emergency room doctor who allegedly examined Ms. Kazemi when she first arrived in hospital after her interrogation, describes in detail his observations on her condition. His account of her condition speaks clearly of torture and extreme mistreatment in custody. • Minister Pettigrew and Prime Minister Paul Martin speak publicly about Dr. Aazam’s account and the unacceptable standing of the Kazemi case. April 5, 2005 • Minister Pettigrew speaks to Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. April 5/April 13, 2005 • Canadian representatives raise Iranian human rights shortcomings in dialogue with Special Mechanisms of United Nations Commission on Human Rights, including the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and the Special Rapporteur of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders. April 6, 2005 • Canadian Ambassador in Tehran meets with Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to follow up on telephone conversation between ministers. • All Canadian government officials withdrawn from trade event with Iranian businessmen to express indignation over latest developments in Kazemi case. • Government lawyers meet in Ottawa with lawyers representing Stephan Hachemi. April 11, 2005 • The Iranian Judiciary rejects the Canadian demands to return Ms. Kazemi’s body and to hold an independent autopsy arguing that Ms. Kazemi was Iranian and that only the Iranian judiciary had jurisdiction in this case. April 13, 2005 • Canadian Ambassador in Tehran meets with Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
