To the Honorable Stephen Harper

The Board of Directors of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) is writing to express its serious concern regarding the current events in Iran following the presidential election on June 12, 2009.

ICC supports the Iranian people’s right to a fair and free election and their genuine effort to exercise their civil rights. Therefore, ICC objects to the highly repressive measures taken by the government of Iran in its attempt to curb any dissenting response to the results of the recent presidential election.

Following the election, Tehran and many other Iranian cities have been the scenes of wide-spread protests. These protests have been met by violent response from the anti-riot police and other security forces resulting in civilian injuries and death. Furthermore, a number of Iranian political activists and journalists have been arrested and heavy restrictions have been placed on the means of communication and the media. ICC condemns the use of violence and calls for the release of those who have been arrested. ICC is also concerned about the safety of the Iranian-Canadians residing in Iran.

ICC supports a legal and peaceful resolution to the crisis and requests that the allegations brought forward by the candidates and voters be addressed in a legal and transparent manner by the appropriate Iranian authorities.

ICC urges the government of Canada to be watchful of the events in Iran and to refrain from recognizing the Iranian government until the allegations regarding election fraud has been fully addressed. We also urge the government of Canada to condemn the use of violence in Iran.

 ICC Board of Directors

 June 18^th 2009

 Toronto, Canada