Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): A Canadian citizen has died in Iran while in the custody of Iranian authorities, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed on Thursday, amid an intensifying crackdown on anti-government protests in the country.
In a statement shared on social media, Anand condemned the Iranian regime’s actions against demonstrators and urged authorities to halt violence against civilians. She said Canada’s consular officials are in touch with the deceased individual’s family and extended condolences on behalf of the government.
According to international human rights monitors, more than 2,600 people have been killed since widespread protests erupted in Iran in late December, triggered by long-standing grievances over political repression and human rights abuses.
“The Iranian people have been engaging in peaceful demonstrations to demand accountability and basic freedoms,” Anand said, adding that the government’s response has shown a blatant disregard for human life.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) earlier acknowledged that it was aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Iran but declined to release further details, citing privacy and security concerns.
In light of the deteriorating situation, Canadian authorities have advised citizens currently in Iran to leave the country if they can do so safely. Regional tensions have also escalated, with warnings of potential retaliation from Iran amid mounting international pressure.
The situation has drawn global concern as the United States signals a tougher stance toward Tehran. Washington has begun withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East, following warnings from Iranian officials against possible foreign intervention.
