(No. 309 - October 17, 2009) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the release of Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari by the Government of Iran.
“It is with great relief that we welcome the release of Maziar Bahari from prison in Iran,” said Minister Cannon. “The Government of Canada shares in the joy of Mr. Bahari's family, friends, colleagues and countrymen, and hopes that he will soon be able to join his wife for the birth of their first child.”
The Government of Canada has been steadfast in pressing for his safe release since he was first arrested. While in Istanbul in August of this year, Minister Cannon met with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki of Iran to call for Mr. Bahari’s release.
Maziar Bahari is a dual Iranian-Canadian citizen, and journalist for Newsweek magazine. He was released on bail almost four months after his arrest following Iran’s presidential elections last June.
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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
