Canada dissatisfied with result of trial in Iran

Canada said Sunday that it was unhappy with the outcome of a trial in Iran, which acquitted an Iranian intelligence agent in the case relating to the death of Canadian-Iranian journalist Zahra Kazemi.

"This trial has done nothing to answer the real questions about how Zahra Kazemi died or to bring the perpetrators of her murder to justice," said Canadian Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew.

"I call on Iran to fulfill its responsibilities to bring out the truth in this case. I understand that lawyers for the family are considering appealing the verdict. The government of Canada is reviewing further options," Pettigrew added.

According to a report from Iranian news agency IRNA Saturday, an Iranian court said the intelligence agent, who was charged with causing Kazemi's death, had been found not guilty due to "lack of proof."

Kazemi was killed by a blow to the head a year ago while in detention in Tehran, capital of Iran. The 54-year-old Montreal resident, who was born in Iran, had been arrested for taking photographs outside Evin prison in Tehran.

The death and trial triggered a diplomatic row. In mid July, Canada recalled its ambassador to Iran after an Iranian court banned foreign observers in the trial.