April 20, 2009
No. 106
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding Iran’s sentencing of American journalist Roxana Saberi.
“Canada is deeply concerned about the case of Roxana Saberi, who was sentenced last week to eight years in prison following a non-transparent judicial process. The Government of Canada believes that the accusations of espionage against Ms. Saberi are without foundation, and calls upon the Iranian authorities to release her without delay.
“Canada remains seriously concerned by the continuously deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. Canada urges Iran to fully respect all of its human rights obligations, both in law and in practice. We continue to support freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iran.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
