Irwin Cotler, an outspoken critic of Iran and former justice minister, confirms he was warned of an assassination threat against him, reportedly involving Iranian agents.
Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler Reveals Iran Assassination Plot Against Him
Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler Reveals Iran Assassination Plot Against Him
Former Canadian minister Irwin Cotler identifies himself as a target of a thwarted assassination attempt allegedly backed by Iran.
In an alarming revelation, Irwin Cotler, Canada’s ex-justice minister, has come forward to disclose he was the intended victim of a foiled assassination plot allegedly orchestrated by Iranian operatives. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) informed Mr. Cotler of this plot in late October, heightening concerns about his safety.
At 84 years old, Cotler remains a fierce advocate against the Iranian regime, which he has long criticized. He previously urged for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be designated as a terrorist organization—a classification Canada officially adopted in June 2023.
The revelation of the alleged assassination attempt came shortly after U.S. authorities charged an Afghan national with plotting to kill incoming president Donald Trump on Iran's behalf. His office confirmed the incident to the BBC following a report by the Globe and Mail that cited an unnamed source about the threat Mr. Cotler faced.
According to the reports, Cotler was warned by the RCMP on October 26 that Iranian agents posed a serious and imminent threat to his life within 48 hours. While details about protective measures are not disclosed by the RCMP, it was noted that Cotler has had round-the-clock security since the onset of increased tensions following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The Canadian intelligence community had previously flagged him as a high-profile Iranian target, prompting his protection with bulletproof vehicles and heavily armed security personnel.
Throughout his political career, Cotler served in the Canadian government from 1999 to 2015 and was justice minister from 2003 to 2006 under then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. He has represented Iranian political prisoners and has familial connections to Israel, through his daughter Michal Cotler-Wunsh, who is a member of the Israeli parliament.
Iranian officials have since denied the allegations, labeling them as "completely baseless." Esmaeil Baghaei, the foreign ministry spokesperson, suggested that these accusations are reminiscent of past unfounded claims regarding plots to assassinate U.S. presidents that have complicated diplomatic relations.
This unfolding situation underscores the precarious nature of international relations and the persistent threats faced by those opposing the Iranian regime.
At 84 years old, Cotler remains a fierce advocate against the Iranian regime, which he has long criticized. He previously urged for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be designated as a terrorist organization—a classification Canada officially adopted in June 2023.
The revelation of the alleged assassination attempt came shortly after U.S. authorities charged an Afghan national with plotting to kill incoming president Donald Trump on Iran's behalf. His office confirmed the incident to the BBC following a report by the Globe and Mail that cited an unnamed source about the threat Mr. Cotler faced.
According to the reports, Cotler was warned by the RCMP on October 26 that Iranian agents posed a serious and imminent threat to his life within 48 hours. While details about protective measures are not disclosed by the RCMP, it was noted that Cotler has had round-the-clock security since the onset of increased tensions following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The Canadian intelligence community had previously flagged him as a high-profile Iranian target, prompting his protection with bulletproof vehicles and heavily armed security personnel.
Throughout his political career, Cotler served in the Canadian government from 1999 to 2015 and was justice minister from 2003 to 2006 under then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. He has represented Iranian political prisoners and has familial connections to Israel, through his daughter Michal Cotler-Wunsh, who is a member of the Israeli parliament.
Iranian officials have since denied the allegations, labeling them as "completely baseless." Esmaeil Baghaei, the foreign ministry spokesperson, suggested that these accusations are reminiscent of past unfounded claims regarding plots to assassinate U.S. presidents that have complicated diplomatic relations.
This unfolding situation underscores the precarious nature of international relations and the persistent threats faced by those opposing the Iranian regime.
