April 17, 2008 (4:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 92
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on recent death threats made against Shirin Ebadi, Iranian Nobel laureate, and members of her family:
"Canada expresses its profound concern over recent written death threats made against Shirin Ebadi and members of her immediate family and delivered to her office in Tehran by unidentified individuals or organizations. Ms. Ebadi is a courageous pioneer and defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iran and in the international community.
"Canada recognizes, commends and supports Ms. Ebadi's commitment to promoting and defending human rights. It is unfortunate that human rights defenders in Iran, and elsewhere in the world, are at high risk of being subjected to harassment, abuse and violence. These individuals should be accorded a positive, safe environment in every country, one free of intimidation, violence and restrictions on freedom of expression.
"Canada notes that the Government of Iran is taking steps to provide security to Ms. Ebadi. We also welcome the Iranian government's commitment to investigate the threats made against Ms. Ebadi and to identify the individuals and groups responsible for this apparent campaign of intimidation.
"Canada again calls on the Iranian government to honour its international commitments to respect the universally recognized rights of its citizens."
For more information on Canada's statements concerning UN resolutions on Iran, please consult the following websites:
CANADA SUPPORTS ADOPTION OF NEW SANCTIONS RESOLUTION AGAINST IRAN
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=385903&docnumber=47&language=E
ADOPTION OF CANADIAN-SPONSORED UN RESOLUTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=385621&docnumber=164&language=E
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
