“Canada is deeply disturbed by reports that these individuals have now been sentenced to 20-year prison terms on charges of espionage, acting against national security and being enemies of God, and that these sentences were passed without either written judgements or due process,” said Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon. “Canada once again urges Iran to grant bail to the seven Baha’i leaders and to ensure that they are accorded fair treatment, in accordance with international standards. Canada further urges Iran to protect the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran is intolerable and deeply troubling.”