NEWS RELEASES

January 17, 2001 (2:00 p.m. EST) No. 7

MANLEY EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER

OUTCOME OF IRANIAN TRIAL

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today expressed deep disappointment over the harsh sentences handed down to seven Iranians on January 13 by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. The defendants, who were convicted of crimes against the state for attending a conference in Berlin sponsored by the Green Party to discuss political developments in Iran, were each given from four to ten years.

"These sentences further weaken the credibility of the Iranian judiciary," said Mr. Manley. "In deference to the rule of law, we call on that body to review these cases in an independent manner and overturn the convictions and sentences."

The Minister noted Canada's support for the reform process in Iran, and pledged to continue raising human rights and civil society issues with senior government officials there.

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