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	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 20- June 30, 2000

June 30, 2000…On the eve of the sentencing of the 13 Iranian Jews accused of espionage on behalf of Israel, last minute diplomatic efforts have intensified to avert a miscarriage of justice. The Canadian Embassy has sent a representative to Shiraz to be on hand when the sentences are announced tomorrow at 11 a.m. local time.

Clearly anticipating unfavourable judgements, Esmail Nasseri, head of the defence team, has requested that the verdicts should not be announced publicly “until the ruling of the revolutionary Court has been appealed and either upheld or overturned”.

Following recent contradictory statements over the severity of the expected sentences, as expressed by the Attorney General and the local judiciary, Tehran Times reported that an advisor in President Khatami’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “There are no differences between the Judiciary and the cabinet on the Jews case.”

It is becoming evident that questions are being asked even within Iran regarding the trial. Reza Yousefian, an MP from Shiraz, announced this week that some parliamentary representatives are planning to form an investigation committee to examine the judicial proceedings. The reason for this is to clear up some "ambiguities" since “public opinion must be convinced that the trial has been free from factional pressures and political motivations”.

In spite of attempts by the Iranian authorities to allay the concerns of governments and human rights organizations throughout the world, the coming days will be critical. B’nai Brith Canada continues to consult with the Canadian Government, human rights advocates and legal experts to determine the best course of action to follow.

The timing of the sentencing to coincide with the Jewish Sabbath is clearly an attempt to mute response by the community. B’nai Brith Canada therefore not only calls on all synagogues throughout Canada to say prayers for the welfare of the captives, but also asks the community to hold itself in readiness should a strong response be necessary.

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