Ottawa erupted in outrage on Thursday as Canada issued a scathing condemnation of Iranian authorities for the brutal killing of one of its citizens amid escalating crackdowns on widespread anti-government protests. Foreign Minister Anita Anand took to social media platform X to confirm the tragic death, underscoring the regime’s blatant disregard for human life.
“The Iranian people’s peaceful protests—demanding their voices be heard against repression and ongoing human rights violations—have been met with open contempt for human life by the regime,” Anand posted. She demanded an immediate end to the violence, painting a grim picture of a nation gripped by fear and fury.
Details surrounding the victim’s identity, the exact time, or location of the incident remain undisclosed by Anand or the foreign ministry. This shocking development comes hot on the heels of a stern joint statement from G7 foreign ministers, who warned of additional sanctions if Iran persists in crushing dissent in violation of international human rights obligations.
“We are deeply alarmed by reports of high numbers of deaths and injuries,” the G7 declaration from Ottawa stated. It roundly denounced the killing of protesters, deliberate use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by security forces.
The timing couldn’t be more tense. Just a day earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened potential military action if the violence against demonstrators continues, claiming assurances that killings would cease. Iran, meanwhile, denied issuing death warrants against any protesters amid rumors of imminent executions.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk echoed global concerns this week, insisting that killings of peaceful protesters must stop and labeling them as ‘terrorists’ to justify violence is unacceptable. His office highlighted severe pressure on hospitals treating large numbers of wounded, including children.
Human rights groups estimate over 2,500 deaths, though internet blackouts and communication shutdowns have made verification nearly impossible. With 3,054 Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran, Ottawa urged them to leave immediately.
This incident painfully recalls the 2003 custodial death of Iran-Canada dual citizen Zahra Kazemi, a freelance photographer arrested in Tehran, highlighting a dark pattern in Iran’s treatment of foreign nationals.