ICC: We call on the Iranian government to immediately investigate Mr. Seyed-Emami's death and call on the Canadian government to follow up on this request with their Iranian counterparts. We call for complete transparency and accountability in this process.

Here is a statement from the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) regarding the death of Iranian-Canadian academic Kavous Seyed-Emami:

The ICC has been made aware that Iranian-Canadian academic Kavous Seyed-Emami has died while in custody in Iran. According to Mr. Seyed-Emami's son, his father was arrested by Iranian authorities on Jan. 24, and that his mother had been informed of Emami’s death on Feb. 9.   

On behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), we extend our condolences to Mr. Seyed-Emami's family. We call on the Iranian government to immediately investigate Mr. Seyed-Emami's death and call on the Canadian government to follow up on this request with their Iranian counterparts. The rights of all prisoners must be protected in accordance with the rule of law. The health and safety of prisoners are the responsibility of the authorities. Mr. Seyed-Emami's death should be investigated and the results transparently communicated to the public and to the family of Mr. Seyed-Emami. We call for complete transparency and accountability in this process. The ICC will keep monitoring the developments regarding this case and is trying to connect with Mr. Seyed-Emami's family.

Update: On March 14th, 2018 Global Affairs Canada formally responded to our statement and our follow ups regarding the case of Mr. Seyed-Emami. Highlights from the formal response received from Director of Consular Case Management at Global Affairs Canada:

"I appreciate that you took the time to share your organization's concerns on this matter of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. I was also interested to read the statement by the ICC Board of Directors, which you shared with the Minister and Prime Minister. Like the Iranian Canadian Congress, we offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Seyed-Emami's loved ones."

"The Government of Canada is seriously concerned by the situation surrounding the detention and death of Mr. Seyed-Emami. As stated by Minister Freeland and her Parliamentary Secretary responsible for consular affairs, Mr. Omar Alghabra, we have expressed our concerns to the Government of Iran and will continue to do so. We expect the Government of Iran to provide information and answers into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Seyed-Emami's tragic death and will continue to use every means at Canada's disposal to see further information."

"I can assure you that Canadian officials remain in close contact with Mr. Seyed-Emami's family to provide assistance during this difficult time."