NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY CONCERNED OVER ARREST OF IRANIAN JEWS
June 15, 1999 (5:15 p.m. EDT) No. 144
AXWORTHY CONCERNED OVER ARREST OF IRANIAN JEWS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed his concern over the arrest of 13 Iranian Jews who
have been charged with spying for Israel and the United States.
"Canada is disturbed by the arrests of Iranian Jews," said Mr. Axworthy. "I asked senior officials to call in the
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran for a meeting, which took place earlier today, to underline Canada's
concerns about the charges facing the accused and to seek assurances regarding their well-being. I have
asked Iran for further assurances that the judicial process will be fair and will conform to the norms of
international human rights law."
Canada has taken a leading role in seeking the protection of religious minorities in Iran at the United Nations,
within the UN Commission on Human Rights and through bilateral discussions with Iranian authorities.
Last weekend, the Canadian Embassy in Tehran sought clarification from the Iranian Foreign Ministry on the
nature of the charges, and received assurances that the accused would receive fair treatment and due process
in accordance with Iranian law.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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