Canadian government defends Iran’s ‘diplomatic assets’ against lawsuits

[Locutus]

by terror victims



TORONTO — A year after suspending relations with Iran and designating the regime a state sponsor of terrorism, the Canadian government was in court on Thursday to defend Tehran’s diplomatic assets from lawsuits by terror victims.

The awkward scene unfolded in a Toronto courtroom where victims of Iranian-backed terrorist organizations are trying to collect damages from the Islamic republic under the newly enacted Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.

While Iran has ignored the lawsuits, the Canadian government has stepped in to argue that the Iranian embassy, official residence, staff quarters and two bank accounts are “diplomatic assets” of Tehran and cannot be awarded to victims of terrorism.

“The concern of the Attorney-General of Canada is interference with diplomatic property,” Jacqueline Dais-Visca, a Department of Justice lawyer, told the court. “This is about Canada exercising its obligations under international law.”


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Canadian government defends Iran’s ‘diplomatic assets’ against lawsuits by terror victims | National Post

 

[darkbeaver]

“This is about Canada exercising its obligations under international law” said Jacqueline Dais-Visca, a Department of Justice lawyer.

Absolutely, obligations under international law must be exercised by Canada, and we will start with the victims in Palestine and Gaza first and then the victims in Iraq and Afghanistan and then the victims in Syria and Libya and maybe even Yugoslavia.

 

[petros]

Can I go after Saudi Arabia for hurting my feelings on 9-11?