Trudeau’s sound of silence

It was only a few weeks ago in this space that we noted with disgust the Canadian government’s apparent near apathy over the death of a Canadian while in Iranian government custody. Kavous Seyed-Emami, a Canadian citizen working in Iran as an environmentalist and professor, was arrested on uncorroborated charges of espionage and sent to Evin Prison, the regime’s infamous torture dungeon for political prisoners. A few weeks later, Iran announced that SeyedEmami was dead. Officials dubiously claimed it was by his own hand. No independent medical examination was permitted, and his body was rapidly buried. A regime that routinely rapes, tortures and murders people for mere dissent expects Seyed-Emami’s family, and Canada, to simply take its word that it had nothing to do with him dying inside one of its most notorious death chambers.

This wouldn’t even be the first time a Canadian has died while under Iranian custody at Evin. A wave of protests against the theocratic regime has rocked the country in recent months, and thousands have been arrested. SeyedEmami has not been linked to any of these protests, and likely simply had the misfortune of being swept up while the mullahs are feeling particularly insecure.

Canada has had appallingly little to say and even fewer actions. A few token words by government officials have provided no material aid whatsoever to the grieving family. Last week, Iran compounded their offences by taking the wife of the professor into custody. Maryam Mombeini had travelled to Iran with her adult sons in hopes of getting some answers. When the three attempted to return to Canada, the sons were allowed to board a Vancouver-bound flight, but Mombeini was blocked, her passport seized. With her family’s financial assets frozen, Mombeini is currently being supported by friends and family in Iran, unable to either care for herself or leave.

Her sons recently met with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, who said that the government is seeking their mother’s release and answers in their father’s death. They have asked for a public statement of condemnation and a demand for answers by the government of Canada, including, perhaps, by the prime minister.

It’s a more than reasonable expectation. This government likes to boast of its commitment to the rights of Canadians. The Liberals never hesitated to slam the prior government when they felt it was not doing enough for Canadians abroad. Now the prime minister is being asked to issue a mere public statement to help this persecuted family. What on earth is he waiting for?