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<title>MANLEY EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER OUTCOME OF IRANIAN TRIAL</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>January 17, 2001 <em>(2:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 7</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>MANLEY EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>OUTCOME OF IRANIAN TRIAL</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial">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. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"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."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">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.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Jennifer Sloan</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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