For Immediate Release
(Toronto, March 20, 2000...) As Jews throughout the world prepare to celebrate the holiday of Purim, the attention of the Canadian Jewish community will turn towards 13 Iranian Jews, mainly teachers and religious leaders, who were arrested a year ago on charges of espionage for Israel and are currently awaiting trial.
B'nai Brith Canada has called on synagogues across the country to say special prayers to protest this year of captivity as a mark of solidarity with the accused. As the Fast of Esther which ushers in Purim draws to a close, congregants will recall how almost two and a half thousand years ago the Jews in ancient Iran turned to fasting and supplication as their fate hung in the balance. Today the plight of the these 13 modern day captives is no less precarious and the community here is working to ensure that the world does not forget them.
Although a trial date has finally been set for April 13th and it was initially announced that the prisoners could seek legal counsel, the trial judge has since insisted that they must accept court appointed lawyers. In spite of repeated promises during the year that the trial would comply with internationally accepted judicial norms, there are grave concerns that the proceedings will turn into a mock trial that will target some or all of the captives for a guilty verdict in order to save face for the Iranian authorities. B'nai Brith Canada will monitor the proceedings carefully, together with governments and human rights organizations throughout the world.
-30-
Institute for International Affairs
| Commission
for Jewish Culture
| Sports Corporation
| League
for Human Rights
| Publications
Current Press Releases
| Government Relations Office
| Centre for Community Action
| B'nai
Brith Foundation
The Jewish Tribune
| Canadian Jewish Law Students Association
| B'nai Brith Canada's Home Page