Iran has rejected Canadian demands that its diplomats observe the trial of an intelligence agent charged with beating a Canadian journalist to death. Canada has withdrawn its ambassador to Tehran in protest, saying "justice will not be done behind closed doors". Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said the case was a domestic issue, but pledged a fair trial. Iranian intelligence agent Mohammad Reza Aghdam Ahmadi pleaded not guilty to "semi-intentional murder" at the trial’s first and only session last October. The hearing was delayed to allow lawyers representing the Kazemi family to research the case, and is due to resume on Saturday.
"The request for the presence of Canadian observers is contrary to all international principles and regulations and is unacceptable," Mr Asefi said on state television. But Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham decried Iran’s "completely unacceptable behaviour", and said he was recalling the ambassador to Tehran. He said Canada had been promised it could have three observers at the trial.
The case has sparked a fierce debate between the hardline judiciary and the reformist intelligence ministry. Both sides have accused one another of staging a cover-up to divert responsibility for Ms Kazemi’s death. On Wednesday the moderate President Mohammad Khatami backed the intelligence ministry, saying: "I believe the agent was not guilty. I hope the court will bravely be able to identify the guilty person." |