Canada calls for arrest of Iran’s chief prosecutor

Canadian Press: Canada is condemning the presence of Iran’s hardline prosecutor on the Iranian observer delegation to the new UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Canadian Press

GENEVA — Canada is condemning the presence of Iran’s hardline prosecutor on the Iranian observer delegation to the new UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

But Prime Minister Stephen Harper is going one step further.

Harper has demanded Saeed Mortazavi be arrested before he leaves Germany.

On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay issued a statement “deploring” the addition of Mortazavi to the delegation.

He says the move demonstrates the Iranian government’s complete contempt for human rights.

MacKay says two Iranian government investigations found Mortazavi ordered the illegal arrest and detention of Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi, which led to her torture and death.

He says Mortazavi then falsified documents to cover up his involvement in her case.

MacKay says Mortazavi has also been involved in a harsh crackdown on the Iranian press.