Iran: An independent inquiry must be opened into the death of Zahra Kazemi
Amnesty International added its voice today to the calls made by Iran's Islamic Human Rights Commission and other
international human rights organizations in calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the death in
custody of 54-year-old photojournalist Zahra Kazemi on 12 July 2003.
"Iran's obligations under international human rights treaties require the establishment of an independent and impartial
judicial inquiry to determine the causes of Zahra Kazemi's death," Amnesty International said.
"Such investigation must also determine whether Zahra Kazemi was ill-treated or tortured in custody as some reports have
indicated," the organization added.
Zahra Kazemi, who had dual Canadian and Iranian nationality, died at the Baghiyetollah Hospital in Tehran while under
guard. She was arrested for taking photographs of people protesting against the detention of family members outside the
Evin prison in northern Tehran. Amnesty International has documented for years cases of ill-treatment and torture in
detention.
The organization welcomed reports that President Mohammad Khatami ordered the Ministers of the Interior, Justice,
Intelligence and Culture and Islamic Guidance to investigate Zahra Kazemi's death in custody.
"The authorities must enact concrete measures aimed at ending all forms of ill-treatment in Iran, such as acceding to
the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment," the organization
said.
"Only a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation will serve the interests of justice."
View all documents on Iran at http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maabfZAaaZcKebb0hPub/