Iran, Human Rights, and the Nuclear Question
McGill's Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism is pleased to welcome Akbar Ganji, Iran's most prominent political dissident, for the Nov. 22 public lecture Iran, Human Rights, and the Nuclear Question: What are the Connections?
Mr. Ganji, a well-known journalist and author and former Revolutionary Guard turned activist, will share his insights into the perception of Iran as a threat to regional peace, and how reformist movements within Iran can impact the diplomatic impasse at the United Nations, which, if unresolved, could lead to military confrontation between the United States and Iran. Mr. Ganji is the recipient of the prestigious John Humphrey Freedom Award, awarded annually by the organization Rights and Democracy and named in honour of the McGill law professor who was principal drafter of the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney will make introductory remarks, and Irwin Cotler, MP, Professor of Law and former Attorney-General of Canada, will also be on hand to respond to Mr. Ganji's talk. McGill law professor and former UN war crimes prosecutor Payam Akhavan will chair the discussion.
What: Iran, Human Rights, and the Nuclear Question: What are the Connections?
When: Thursday, November 22, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Who: Akbar Ganji, Iranian dissident
Where: New Chancellor Day Hall, Moot Court, 3660 Peel St., Faculty of Law, McGill University
Akbar Ganji spent six years in Tehran's infamous Evin prison on charges stemming from a series of investigative articles exposing the complicity of then-president Rafsanjani and other leading members of the conservative clergy in the murders of political dissidents and intellectuals in 1998.
During his time in prison, Mr. Ganji undertook a hunger strike that lasted from May to August 2005. He also produced a series of influential political manifestos and open letters calling for Iran's secularization and the establishment of democracy through mass civil disobedience. The works were smuggled out of prison and published on the Internet. His books include the bestselling The Dungeon of Ghosts (1999) and The Red Eminence, The Grey Eminences (2000).
Please note: this lecture will be delivered in Farsi and interpreted in English.