Popular Iranian-Canadian blogger Hossein Derakshan has been detained on accusations of spying for Israel, Iran confirmed on Dec. 30.
The U of T sociology grad was deemed the “Blogfather” ever since he ignited the blog boom in Iran in 2001, after publishing instructions online on how to type in Persian characters.
Judiciary spokesman Ali Reza Jamshidi told reporters that Derakhshan was charged with insulting religious figures.
Derakhshan also defied Iranian law when he made high-profile visits to Israel. His aim was to break taboo contacts with Israel, and to give Israelis a different view of Iran.
“Too bad, I don’t care,” Derakshan blogged afterwards. “I’m a citizen of Canada and I have the right to visit any country I want.”
Iran views Israel as its archenemy and states that it has forbidden Israeli spy networks in the country.The Toronto Sun reported that Derakshan could face execution. A foreign affairs ministry spokesperson said Ottawa is keeping tabs on the matter.
