Minister Cannon Expresses Concern over Iran's Raid on Private Office of Shirin Ebadi
December 30, 2008
No. 253
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the
following statement regarding the raid on the private office of Shirin Ebadi in Tehran,
Iran.
“Canada is seriously concerned about yesterday’s raid and seizure of files and
computers from the private office of Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi. This action follows
the December 21 closing of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, headed
by Ms. Ebadi. Winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, Ms. Ebadi has a long and proud
history as an advocate for human rights, and the raid appears to be part of an effort to
impede the important work being done by her and other Iranian human rights
defenders.
“Canada continues to urge Iran to fully respect all of its human rights obligations, both
in law and in practice, and to end the apparent targeting of human rights advocates like
Ms. Ebadi. Canada stands in solidarity with individuals such as Ms. Ebadi who
courageously advocate for the human rights of the people of Iran.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx