Canada urges Iran not to execute Mohammad Reza Haddadi and Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement urging the Iranian regime to halt the planned execution of Mohammad Reza Haddadi and the possible execution of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani by stoning:

“Canada is deeply concerned by reports that the Iranian regime has scheduled the execution of Mohammad Reza Haddadi for Wednesday, July 7, 2010, in Adelabad prison in the province of Fars. We strongly urge Iran to respect its international obligations and not to proceed with this execution.

“Canada is also gravely concerned by reports that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a mother of two children, was convicted of adultery in a judicial process that lacked transparency and was sentenced to death by stoning. She could face execution at any time. Canada calls upon Iran to end this inhumane practice.

“These pending executions are part of an overall deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. Canada remains gravely concerned by the human rights situation in Iran and calls on the Iranian regime to live up to its commitments and obligations under domestic and international law.”