Canadian media report on the thwarted assassination attempt on Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The politician admitted that the services warned him about a possible attack. Iranian agents were allegedly involved in the plot to kill him. The 84-year-old has repeatedly criticized Tehran's actions.
The services warned Irwin Cotler of a possible attack on his life. On October 26, the politician was informed that within the next 48 hours he could fall victim to an attack by Iranian agents – the Canadian newspaper “The Globe and Mail” reported on Monday. Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General Canada he confirmed these reports in an interview with the BBC published on November 19.
According to the British broadcaster's report, Cotler allegedly received information about a possible attack from the federal police. In a statement issued in response to media publications, the company emphasized that due to the good of the operation and security issues, it does not share information about the protective measures it uses or the people covered by them.
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Reports of threat against Cotler are 'very disturbing'
The Globe and Mail determined that two people were involved in the conspiracy. It is not known whether they were arrested or fled Canada. According to the newspaper's report, Irwin Cotler has been under the protection of the services since the Hamas attack on Israel from October 7 last year. The politician was provided with, among others: bulletproof vehicles and protection by armed officers, the daily adds.
The House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament unanimously condemned the alleged attack. Canadian Minister of National Defense Bill Blair noted that politicians had been asked by security agencies to refrain from discussing the issue. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry assured that “all appropriate steps will be taken” in connection with the matter. The politician also said that reports of threats against Cotler were “very disturbing.”
Irwin CotlerSALVATORE DI NOLFI/PAP
Who is Irwin Cotler
As the BBC reminds, in 2003-2006 Irwin Cotler served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in Paul Martin's government. He sat on parliamentary benches until 2015. After switching to politics retirement acted as an activist. He has repeatedly criticized the Iranian regime. He also supported the recognition of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Cotler also has strong ties to Israel, adds the British broadcaster, pointing out that the Canadian's stepdaughter, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, is an Israeli politician and diplomat. As Cotler-Wunsh wrote on the X platform, the reports of assassination attempts on her stepfather are “shocking but not surprising.”
Public broadcaster CBC recalled that in January this year. The US Department of Justice released an indictment in which two Canadians were charged with organizing murders in… USA on behalf of Iran's intelligence services. One of these men is a member of the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang, and the other is his friend who is illegally in the United States. Both were allegedly hired by an Iranian drug trafficker working on behalf of Iranian intelligence.
At the beginning of November, the media also circulated information about Iran's plans to assassinate Donald Trump. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the attempt was thwarted and Trump was under close guard.
BBC, “The Globe and Mail”, PAP
Main photo source: SALVATORE DI NOLFI/PAP