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A Canadian citizen has died in Iran “at the hands of the Iranian authorities,” according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
In a social media post on Thursday, the minister called on the regime to end its violence against protesters. At least 2,600 people have been killed since demonstrations started in late December, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).Â
“Peaceful protests by the Iranian people — asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regime’s repression and ongoing human rights violations — has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life,” Anand wrote.Â
“Our consular officials are in contact with the victim’s family in Canada and my deepest condolences are with them at this time.”Â
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed Wednesday that it was aware of the death of a Canadian in Iran, but provided no further details.
GAC is advising Canadians in Iran to leave the country now if they can do so safely.Â
Tension is heightened in the region, with U.S. President Donald Trump vowing “very strong action” if Iran starts executing protesters.
The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official told media on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.
