The Institute for International Affairs Page

	The B'nai Brith Canada Institute for International Affairs has a mandate to protest the abuse of human rights throughout the world and advocate on behalf of worldwide Jewish communities in distress. The Institute has a special focus on pro-Israel advocacy and education.
Rochelle Wilner President	Frank Dimant Chief Executive Officer	Amos Sochaczevski National Chair	Ruth Klein National Director

There is no greater mitzvah than Redemption of Captives
Maimonides, Mishnah Torah, Hilchot Matanot Ani’im, Chapter 8, Article 10

IRAN UPDATE 3 - July 2, 1999

There have been many reports this past week regarding developments in Iran, including an unconfirmed press item that Iran had acknowledged to the German Government that nine of the thirteen captives were not spies. This story has not been corroborated in any way, emphasizing the lack of free and open information about the prisoners and the charges against them.

Iran continues to berate the West for its intervention on behalf of the captives, alleging that “Foreign interference indicates hidden hands that attempt to sow seeds of discord among Iranian officials”. However, international expressions of concern and protest do seem to have had an effect since the captives were apparently allowed family visits earlier this week, as well as provision of some kosher food. There have also been reports of an "understanding" between the President and the Prime Minster of Iran that there will be no "rush to judgement" without due legal process.

As of today, the captives have been in detention for 104 days, so there is still a long struggle ahead. Please continue to direct your appeal to the Iranian Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Dr. Seyed Mohammad H. Adeli, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 245 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K2, fax no. (613) 232-5712. In addition we now have an e-mail address for President Khatami of Iran, khatami@president.ir.

Index of Press Releases & Updates (click here)