NEWS RELEASES
GRAHAM EXPRESSES SORROW AND REGRET ON DEATH OF CANADIAN JOURNALIST
July 12, 2003 (5:50 p.m. EDT) No. 99
GRAHAM EXPRESSES SORROW AND REGRET ON DEATH
OF CANADIAN JOURNALIST
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham expressed his deep sorrow and regret at the news of the tragic death of Canadian
journalist Zahra Kazemi Admadabadi in Tehran earlier today.
"Throughout her life, Ms. Kazemi was a brave and courageous woman," said Minister Graham. "Those who are familiar
with her work know that she was a strong advocate for social justice and human rights. Her death is a tragic reminder of the
risks that journalists take to push back the shadows of ignorance, despair and injustice."
The Government of Iran officially announced this morning that Ms. Kazemi died. Canadian officials in Tehran and Ottawa
are seeking a complete explanation from Iranian authorities of the circumstances of her injuries and death. So far no
response has been received. These efforts will continue, and to this end, Canada's Ambassador to Iran, Philip MacKinnon,
has been instructed by Minister Graham to seek a meeting with the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs on his behalf.
Minister Graham spoke to Ms. Kazemi's son, Stéphene Salman Hachemi, earlier today in Montreal. During the
conversation, the Minister offered the condolences of the people of Canada to Mr. Hachemi and to other family members in
Iran. Minister Graham offered the assistance of the Government of Canada in having Ms. Kazemi's remains returned to
Canada, as requested by the family. He also assured Mr. Hachemi that Canadian consular officials will continue their
efforts to obtain from all possible sources a complete and detailed explanation of Ms. Kazemi's death.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Harder, met with the Iranian Ambassador to Canada on July 10. At this
meeting, the Deputy Minister stressed the grave concern of the Government of Canada with the condition of Ms. Kazemi,
and sought independent medical assessment and an explanation of the circumstances surrounding her injuries.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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