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Thugs Beat Photojournalist Half to Death
EFLA Canadian woman arrested in Iran and allegedly beaten into a coma has a 50% chance of surviving, according to doctors at the hospital where Zahra Kazemi remains bruised, unconscious and strapped to a life support system. The Department of Foreign Affairs is struggling to confirm Ms. Kazemiâs condition, but physicians have told Canadian consular officials in Iran that the Montreal-based photojournalist, who suffered a mysterious brain hemorrhage two weeks ago, may not survive her ordeal. "Itâs not good," said the childhood friend, who spoke to the National Post on the condition of anonymity. "Her face looks dead." Ms. Kazemi, 54, was arrested on or about June 23 on suspicion of espionage after authorities in Iran found her snapping photos of Evin prison, a correctional facility in the capital city of Tehran. It is believed the freelance photographer was covering one of the student protests, which ended when dozens of people were taken into custody. Her family suspects authorities were upset that she was shooting pictures of the prison where the protesters were taken. The only certain fact, said Reynald Doiron, a Foreign Affairs spokesman, is that Ms. Kazemi has suffered some level of brain damage. How it happened is still a mystery. "Is it hypertension?" he asked. "High blood pressure? A blow? Who knows?" Reynald Doiron. Sounds frog to me. Myst be. I mean, high blood pressure usually doesnât cause brain damage. Canadian consular officials visited Ms. Kazemi yesterday, but for the second day in a row they were only allowed to view her from behind a plate-glass window. As of last night, she was alive and under the constant care of doctors, Mr. Doiron said. "Our people can see that she is not conscious," Mr. Doiron said. "But does that mean that she is sleeping? Does it mean that she is knocked out? Does it mean she is dying? We donât know." "No, really, sheâs just very tired," doctors told Mr. Doiron. "Those beatings--um, the beating hot sun takes a lot out of a person." Mr. Doiron concurred, saying, "Yes, it is hot in Iran." Not to make light of the situation. I truly hope this woman does not die. If only she could be transported to a real hospital. Posted by: growler 2003-07-11 |
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