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Tehran Rejects Ontario Court Ruling Ordering Reimbursement for Supporting Terrorism | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Bahram Ghasemi is spokesman at the Iran Foreign Ministry. (Photo: AFP)


London – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghasemi dismissed the recent ruling of Superior Court of Justice in Ontario against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ruling was based on Tehran’s support for terrorism.

Ghasemi criticized the finding, claiming that it contradicts the principles of international law regarding the immunity of States and their property, according to the Iran-based Mehr news agency.

Ghasemi’s comments were made ten days following the issuing of the provision.

An Ontario court on Friday ordered the government of Iran to pay $300,000 in costs of victims of terrorist attacks they claim is sponsored by the Islamic Republic.

A Canadian court, last June, had awarded $13 million in non-diplomatic assets seized from Iran to the families of Americans who died in several attacks globally, which had allegedly been sponsored by Tehran between 1983 to 2002.

The judgment by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found Tehran responsible for financing and training operatives who carried out eight bombings or hostage-takings in Buenos Aires, Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia over a period spanning nearly 20 years.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has already announced its official protest on the issue through the relevant channels to the Government of Canada and recognizes its right to pursue political and legal measures over the ruling,” Ghasemi noted.

Unfortunately, he said, Canadian judge has issued the ruling with no regards to international law and the principle of equality of the states, which the Iran rejects.