TNG Canada/CWA Statement on Death of Canadian Photojournalist Zahra Kazemi

TNG Canada and its parent organization, The Newspaper Guild-CWA, said today they mourn the death of Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi while in Iranian police custody and welcome demands by the Canadian government for an official explanation of her demise.

The 54-year-old Kazemi, a Canadian citizen born in Iran, was taking photographs of a prison in Tehran when she was arrested and reportedly beaten into unconsciousness. She died over the weekend after lapsing into a coma from a brain hemorrhage.

"Zahra Kazemi was simply doing her job and didn't pose a threat to anyone," said TNG Canada Director Arnold Amber, who also is president of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. "We call on Iran to investigate this tragedy promptly, to publicize its findings and to punish the perpetrators.

"All Canadians, and all journalists everywhere, must demand justice on behalf of Kazemi," Amber added.



For further information contact:
Arnold Amber, Director, TNG Canada/CWA
Phone: 416-205-7847