February 16, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement concerning reports that Iran may soon execute Iranian citizen Saeed Malekpour:
“Canada is deeply concerned about reports of the possible imminent execution of Iranian citizen Saeed Malekpour.
“We appeal to the Government of Iran to commute this sentence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Canada is deeply concerned when individuals fail to receive a fair trial, in accordance with international human rights.
“We urge Iran to reverse its current course, and live up to its international human rights obligations.”
Mr. Malekpour has been in prison since 2008.
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Today, the House of Commons unanimously endorsed the following motion:
"That this House express its deep concern for the safety of Iranian citizen Saeed Malekpour following reports of his imminent execution; that Canada hold Iran accountable for Mr. Malekpour’s treatment; and that this House call on Iran to reverse its current course, meet its international human rights obligations and release prisoners such as Saeed Malekpour and others who have failed to receive fair and transparent legal treatment.”
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