Evidence of meeting #37 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was victims.
A recording is available from Parliament.
2 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
Thank you very much. That was very helpful.
Thank you to all of our witnesses.
Please feel free to leave now. We have to turn to a couple of items of committee business.
Just a minute. Go ahead, Ms. Deschamps.
2 p.m.
Bloc
Johanne Deschamps Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
I just have a quick question about the procedure. In his testimony, Mr. Tougas referred to some reports on a number of occasions. Under the rules, I am not sure whether I can ask him to submit the documents to the committee.
2 p.m.
Entraide Missionnaire Inc.
Absolutely. I will send them to you. They are available.
2 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
Great, thank you.
We'll turn now to two other items of business.
On the first one, I'll go directly to Mr. Marston and invite him to take the floor for a moment.
2:05 p.m.
NDP
Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm sure the government side is well aware that Saeed Malekpour, the web programmer in Iran, has been sentenced to death. I don't have a motion, but one of the things this committee could do is call upon the Iranian government to set aside the death sentence.
It is my experience--and I'm sure people around this table are aware--that in most Muslim countries if there's a sentence of death it's carried out very rapidly. If it's delayed for any reason there's usually an opportunity...they're trying to make a political statement. Since this young man has been held since 2008 and he was just sentenced last Saturday, I suggest there's a possibility of some intervention here.
I'm sure the government is doing all it can, but something from this committee may be well worthwhile. If we can't do it today, then I'll try to get a motion ready to bring back to the next meeting. But I don't think it has to be that comprehensive, other than to say we are shocked at the sentence that has been pronounced on this individual and that we ask them to set it aside.
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
David Sweet Conservative Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON
Mr. Chair, can we go in camera for a frank dialogue on this?
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
2:05 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.