NEWS RELEASES

July 1, 2000 (11:55 a.m. EDT) No. 171

CANADA EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER

VERDICT IN IRAN ESPIONAGE TRIAL

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed Canada's grave concern over the convictions and sentencing of Jewish and Muslim citizens in Iran, on charges of spying for Israel, following trials held in Shiraz that Canada believes were seriously flawed.

Canadian concerns about the trial and ensuing sentences stem from the closure of the trials to the public and the fact that the defendants were held without access to lawyers for one year and had only limited contact with their families during their incarceration. In addition, the televised confessions of several of the defendants undermined the stated need for closing the trials and raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process.

"Canada has serious concerns about the manner in which the trials were conducted and the verdicts arrived at," said Mr. Axworthy. "We urge the Government of Iran to allow for greater transparency and openness during the appeals process," he added, noting Canada will continue to monitor events closely.

The Minister stated that the lack of transparency in the original trials was particularly disturbing given repeated assurances by Iranian officials that they would be open to the public and to international observers. He added that Canada's response, in this case, would be guided by a determination of what is in the best interests of the detainees and would be based, in part, on consultations with other like-minded countries. Finally, the Minister indicated that he would continue to press Iran on the need for due process as the legal proceedings progress to the next stage.

Since the election of President Khatami in 1997, Iran has made progress in instituting key elements of a far-reaching political and economic reform program. Recent developments, however, suggest that the government continues to face growing challenges to its efforts to implement President Khatami's vision of a civil society based on the rule of law.

"These trials, the closure of reform newspapers and the arrest of leading reformers raise serious concerns about Iran's future," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada urges the Government of Iran to renew efforts to improve civil and human rights in keeping with the wishes of the Iranian people."

Of the 13 Jewish defendants, two have received prison sentences of 13 years, eight have received prison sentences of four to eight years, and three have been acquitted. Of the eight Muslim defendants, two have received prison sentences of two years, two have been acquitted, and four remain on trial.

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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