Alleged Iranian regime official seeking identity protection in Canada - drafted in support of Global News Article Dated February 6, 2026
February 11, 2026
The Iranian Canadian Legal Professionals (ICLP) is a national organization representing over 400 Canadian lawyers, law students, and court translators of Iranian heritage. We wish to express our grave concern regarding the decision, reported by Stewart Bell in the above article, to conduct the deportation hearing of an alleged senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran behind closed doors
Canada’s immigration proceedings are presumptively public for a reason: transparency is essential to public safety and confidence, and the rule of law. Under the Immigration Refugee Protection Act, Canada has a responsibility to protect public health and safety and to maintain the security of Canadian society (Section 3(1) (h)) and to promote international justice and security by fostering respect for human rights and by denying access to Canadian territory to persons who are criminals or security risks (Section 3(1) (i)). In cases involving senior officials of a regime internationally known for crimes against humanity, terrorism, and systemic repression, secrecy is not only inappropriate, but it also raises serious concerns for public safety. Without a clear and compelling justification, closed-door hearings undermine accountability and erode trust in Canada’s institutions. Secrecy in cases involving high ranking officials of the Islamic Republic jeopardizes public safety because it shields individuals who may be implicated in serious human rights abuses, transnational repression, and intimidation of diaspora communities. It also prevents victims, witnesses, and the public from coming forward with critical information. For Iranian Canadians—many of whom fled state violence—closed proceedings eliminate one of the only mechanisms available to expose regime actors operating abroad and to alert communities to potential risks. Transparency in such cases is not a matter of curiosity; it is a safeguard that enables accountability, deters impunity, and reinforces public confidence that Canada will not become a safe haven for officials linked to terrorism or organized repression.For Iranians who have fled persecution, Canada is often the only place where regime officials may be held to account. Survivors and families of victims have no access to justic inside Iran. Shielding alleged perpetrators from public scrutiny in Canada sends a chilling message to those who sought safety, accountability, and justice in this country. We recognize that confidentiality may be justified in limited and exceptional circumstances as per section 166 of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act. However, the Immigration Refugee Board must only do so after having considered all available alternate measures. Given overriding public interests, any departure from open proceedings must be clearly explained and demonstrably necessary. Absent such justification, closing these hearings risks protecting alleged abusers rather than serving the public interest.We therefore call on the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to:
1. Conduct the hearing in public and disclose the identity of the individual facing expulsion at the request of the Canada Border Services Agency; or
2. Provide a clear public explanation for any restrictions imposed, consistent with the principles of open justice.
Canada must not become a quiet refuge for those linked to repression and terrorism. Transparency is not a threat to justice; it is its foundation.
Yours respectfully,
Iranian Canadian Legal Professionals (ICLP)
Co-Signed by:
Organizations
o CDI - Canadians for Democracy in Iran
o IJC – Iran Justice Collective
o IWOO – Iranian Women Organization of Ontario
o 1 Kalameh Lawyers Network
o TirganIndividuals
o Afkham Mardukhi - Co-Founder of I2CRC (Intercultural Iranian Canadian Resource Centre)
o Dr. Arsalan Kahnemuyipour – Professor and Chair, Department of Language Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga
o Dr. Arsalan Mohajer - Founding member and former chair and current Trustee, Canadian Society of Iranian Engineers and Architects (MOHANDES), Retired professor, Director of COHAN Charity
o Babak Payami – Filmmaker
o Bahram Jalayer - Community Activist and Management Consultant
o Marcus Kolga - Senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute and Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights
o Dr. Reza Moridi – Former Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Ontario
o Farid Rohani – Former Chair Laurier Institution