Statement from 2014-2015 ICC Board on the 11th anniversary of Zahra Kazemi.

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) wishes to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the murder of Ziba (Zahra) Kazemi. She would have turned 66 this year.

As reported by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Ms. Kazemi was arrested on June 23, 2003, while performing her work as a journalist outside Evin prison in the Iranian capital, Tehran.  She was reportedly beaten and subjected to other forms of ill-treatment in detention resulting in injuries which ultimately caused her death on July 11, 2003.

Many reports indicated that the proceedings did not meet international standards of a fair trial as key evidence that might have incriminated judiciary officials, the prosecutor's office, as well as the intelligence ministry was ignored by the court.  

The ICC strongly condemns the horrific crime and the injustice committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Ms. Kazemi, a respected member of the Iranian-Canadian Community, and demands prompt and impartial re-investigation of the matter in strict compliance with international human rights norms, and in particular with article 2, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ratified by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Ms. Kazemi’s son, Stephan Hashemi, along with our wishes for her case being brought to justice in the near future.

To commemorate the 11th anniversary of Ms. Kazemi’s passing, an exhibition of her work will be on display in Toronto, featuring photographs taken across the globe during her travels. This will be the first time Ms. Kazemi’s photography will be on exhibit. The exhibition will be on display at Banu, a restaurant located at 777 Queen Street West, in Toronto, Canada.

Sincerely,
The Iranian Canadian Congress