Canada Expresses Concern over Report on Death of Iranian Teenager

Canada has voiced its concern over a BBC World report detailing the alleged assault and murder of 16-year-old Nika Shakarami by Iran's security forces amid hijab crackdowns.

Shakarami became a prominent figure in the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising following her death in 2022, which came amid nationwide protests. She was arrested after she was filmed burning her hijab.

"Canada reiterates its firm opposition to the suppression of human rights, including rights to freedom of assembly and association, and we continue to stand with the people of Iran as they demand justice and full respect for their human rights," a Global Affairs Canada Corporate spokesperson told Iran International’s Mahsa Mortazavi.

The spokesperson also told Iran International Canada reiterates its strong support for the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, tasked with independently investigating the human rights violations linked to the protests that began in September 2022, with a particular focus on women and children.

A recent BBC investigation has exposed a "highly confidential" document that implicates three security personnel in the direct sexual assault and murder of Shakarami. The investigation revealed a disturbing sequence of events leading to her death, including an officer forcibly restraining her while others sexually assaulted her and beat her with batons. Despite her resistance, the assault ended fatally, and the regime later falsely claimed she had committed suicide.

The death of Shakarami followed shortly after the death of Mahsa Amini in morality-police custody for defying hijab laws which ignited nationwide protests. The Iranian government continues its crackdown on mandatory hijab with ever worsening oppression of women and girls, branded 'gender apartheid' by the UN.