Advertisement

UPDATED: Supreme Court says son can’t sue Iran over mother’s torture death

Stephan Hachemi, son of Zahra Kazemi, is pictured in Ottawa on July 27, 2004. The Supreme Court of Canada decides later today whether the son of murdered Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi has the right to sue the Iranian government.
Stephan Hachemi, son of Zahra Kazemi, is pictured in Ottawa on July 27, 2004. The Supreme Court of Canada decides later today whether the son of murdered Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi has the right to sue the Iranian government. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the son of murdered Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi does not have the right to sue the Iranian government.

The justices have ruled 6-1 against Stephan Hashemi’s bid to sue Iran over his mother’s death in 2003.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Iran had argued that it can’t be sued because of protection under the State Immunity Act and the justices agreed.

READ MORE: Iran releases prosecutor linked to Canadian Zahra Kazemi’s death

The Canadian government intervened to defend the validity of that law, but says that in no way means it condones torture.

Government lawyers argued that preserving the validity of the law was necessary for the stability of international relations.

Hashemi waged a relentless campaign for justice on behalf of his mother for more than a decade.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices