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NEWS RELEASES

July 21, 2003 (2:25 p.m. EDT) No. 104

GRAHAM SEEKS JUSTICE FOR DEATH OF ZAHRA KAZEMI

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham called for swift action to bring to justice those responsible for the tragic death of Zahra Kazemi following her arrest in Iran. "Those responsible for this horrific act must be prosecuted," said the Minister when he learned of the results of the Iranian government inquiry earlier today. He welcomed the relative transparency of the inquiry ordered by the Iranian President and the quick release of its results, but he noted that serious questions remain unanswered.

"The treatment of Ms. Kazemi, as detailed in this report, was a flagrant violation of her rights under international human rights law and a breach of obligations that Iran owes to the international community," said Minister Graham. "We now ask the Iranian government to take the next step and proceed with the full and swift prosecution of those responsible for Ms. Kazemi's death in order to clearly demonstrate to Canada and the rest of the international community that its officials are not allowed to act with impunity, and to deter any future violations."

Mr. Graham also expressed frustration and dismay with the continuing delays over the repatriation of Ms. Kazemi's remains to Canada. "The family of Ms. Kazemi has now spoken with one voice," he said. "The Iranian authorities have the family's common views in writing and there should be no further delay in having her remains returned to Canada. It is unacceptable that authorities in Iran continue to refuse to accept the agreed-upon wishes of the family," he said, and called on Iranian authorities to take immediate action.

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