Amnesty International: An Independent Committee Must Be Formed to Investigate the Cause of Zahra Kazemi's Death

Amnesty International today, in conjunction with the Islamic Human Rights Organization and other human rights advocacy groups, called for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the death of 54-year-old Iranian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, who died while in custody on July 12, 2003. Amnesty International states: "According to Iran's commitments under international human rights covenants, Iran is obligated to establish impartial judicial investigations to determine the cause of Zahra Kazemi's death." The statement further adds: This investigation must also determine whether Zahra Kazemi's death, as some reports suggest, was due to mistreatment or torture during her detention. Zahra Kazemi, who held Iranian-Canadian citizenship, died at Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran while under guard. She was arrested while photographing families protesting the imprisonment of political prisoners outside Evin Prison in northern Tehran. Over the years, Amnesty International has documented instances of mistreatment and torture of detainees. The organization welcomes President Mohammad Khatami's directive to the Ministers of Interior, Justice, and Culture and Islamic Guidance to investigate the cause of Zahra Kazemi's death during her detention. Amnesty International adds: "Authorities must end degrading and inhumane treatment by adopting stringent measures and accepting the UN treaty prohibiting torture and other forms of mistreatment." "Only a swift, comprehensive, independent, and impartial investigation can help advance justice."