Hello Cyrus,
Here is the comment I can provide at this time:
Since learning of Hossein Derakhshan’s arrest in November 2008, DFAIT officials have been in contact with Iranian authorities, including by diplomatic note and through high level meetings, to seek consular
access.
Iran does not legally recognize dual nationality. As such, Canadian- Iranians are considered to be Iranian under local law. The consular assistance that may be provided by Canadian consular officials to Canadian-Iranian nationals is very limited. This limitation is noted in DFAIT’s travel report for Iran (www.voyage.gc.ca), under “Dual Nationality”.
Despite the Iranian government’s position, we consider Mr. Derakhshan to be a Canadian citizen. We will continue to press the Iranian authorities for access, as we have in similar cases involving dual nationals in other jurisdictions. Canada continues to urge Iran to fully respect all of its human rights obligations, both in law and in practice.
Due to the Privacy Act, no further information can be released at this time.
Thanks!
Lisa
Lisa Monette
Spokesperson/Porte-parole
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade/
Ministère des affaires étrangères et du commerce international
There’s a measure similar to U.S.’s Freedom of Information act that allows to request information otherwise not released due to Privacy Act. We must file for that immediately, and although it may only reveal dated information, it’ll be new to us to see what they gathered during the first few months of Hossein’s disappearance or even later in the last two years.
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