Ex-Canadian justice minister targeted in alleged Iranian assassination plot
By Karah Rucker (Anchor), William Jackson (Producer), Michael Edwards (Video Editor)
Canadian authorities have reportedly foiled an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and prominent human rights advocate. Cotler, 84, was informed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Oct. 26 about the threat and has since been placed under police protection.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Former justice minister Irwin Cotler says RCMP told him Iranian plot to kill him was foiled
Click to see story on CBC NewsCanada foils Iran’s plan to assassinate former minister Irwin Cotler: Report
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-minister Irwin Cotler – National
Click to see story on Global NewsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Sask TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Rocky Mountain OutlookCanada, the Red Coats escort former Justice Minister, Cotler: Iran wants him dead
Click to see story on Il Fatto QuotidianoCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on InquirerMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on SooToday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Barrie TodayIran allegedly planned to assassinate former liberal minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesCanada has foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister, says NGO
Click to see story on France InfoCanadians thwart Iran’s assassination attempt on ex-minister
Click to see story on Novinky.czCanada thwarts an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister
Click to see story on La PresseCanada foils Iranian plot to kill Jewish human rights leader: What we know
Click to see story on Al-MonitorIran allegedly targeted former minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Radio-CanadaMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Bowen Island UndercurrentEx-Canadian minister Irwin Cotler says he was alleged target of Iran assassination plot
Click to see story on BBC NewsAlleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Click to see story on CTV NewsCanada thwarts alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-justice minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on WIONCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on VOA NewsIran allegedly planned to assassinate human-rights crusader Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The Globe & MailHuman rights lawyer Irwin Cotler evades Iranian assassination
Click to see story on Jerusalem PostCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on The Straits TimesAlleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler condemned by MPs
Click to see story on National PostCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister: Report
Click to see story on Firstpost NewsIrwin Cotler was the target of an Iranian assassination attempt, report says
Click to see story on Montreal GazetteIranian plot to kill Irwin Cotler foiled
Click to see story on Arutz ShevaReport: Iran Tried to Assassinate Its Prominent Canadian Jewish Critic Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Jewish PressCanadian Authorities Foil Iranian Assassination Plot Against Prominent Jewish Politician Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Yeshiva World NewsMPs React to Iran’s Alleged Assassination Attempt Against Former Minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The Epoch TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Toronto SunIran dismisses claims of plotting to assassinate former Canadian minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on PressTVRCMP foil Iranian assassination plot on former attorney general of Canada
Click to see story on True North NewsCanada foils Iranian plot to assassinate Jewish human rights advocate
Click to see story on Israel HayomBREAKING: Canadian authorities have foiled an Iranian assassination attempt
Click to see story on NEWSRAELIrwin Cotler Targeted in Alleged Iranian Assassination Plot – The Media Line
Click to see story on The Media LineIran attempted to assassinate Canada’s Jewish former AG
Click to see story on WINRight
Untracked Bias
Canada says it has stopped Iranian plan to assassinate former Israeli supporter of justice minister
Click to see story on SIC NotíciasMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Orillia MattersMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Newmarket TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Midland TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Collingwood TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Thorold TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Elora Fergus TodayCanada thwarts an Iranian plot against former minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on 20 MinutesOctopus Arms Everywhere: The New Iranian Assassination Attempt Revealed
Click to see story on Maariv OnlineMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Battlefords NOWMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on meadowlakeNOWCanada thwarts Iranian plot to assassinate former pro-Israel minister
Click to see story on القدس العربيMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on CFJC Today KamloopsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Chek newsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Moose Jaw TodayFormer Canadian Justice Minister Claims Foiled Iranian Assassination Attempt – The Global Herald
Click to see story on The Global HeraldCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on The New ArabCanada thwarts an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister
Click to see story on L'Orient-Le JourCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Business TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on InnisfilToday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on ElliotLakeToday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on CambridgeToday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on StratfordToday.caCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Daily Lead PakistanMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The NOTL LocalCanada activist raises alarm at alleged Iran plots to kill dissidents abroad
Click to see story on FOX 28 SpokaneMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on insaugaIrwin Cotler speaks on alleged Iran assassination plot
Click to see story on SecularTimesCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister: report
Click to see story on Insider PaperCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on AlKhaleej TodayCanada Announces Foiling Iranian Plot To Assassinate Former Minister
Click to see story on RAGEXIran dismisses claims of plotting to assassinate former Canadian minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Aletho NewsIranian plot to assassinate Canadian human-rights advocate Irwin Cotler foiled by authorities – South Asian Daily
Click to see story on – South Asian Daily where south asians meet dailyMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Bradford TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Timmins TodaySTA: Canada reportedly thwarted Iran’s plot to kill former justice minister
Click to see story on sta.siMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on thealbertan.com(Updated) MPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Barrie 360MPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Oakville NewsCanada activist raises alarm at alleged Iran plots to kill dissidents abroad #CanadianNewsToday #CanadaLaw #CanadaJustice #CanadaLawFirm
Click to see story on canadanewsvideo.comCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Macau BusinessMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on fitzhugh.caCanada: Iran planned to assassinate the Minister of Justice and the father of a former MK
Click to see story on makorrishon.co.ilMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on burlingtontoday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on haltonhillstoday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on flamboroughtoday.comAlleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Click to see story on dailyguardian.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Verve timesCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister
Click to see story on Canadian AffairsFoiled Iranian Plot to Assassinate Canadian Human Rights Advocate Irwin Cotler – Iran News Update
Click to see story on Iran News UpdateCanada Foiled Iran Plot to Assassinate Former Minister Irwin Cotler – TV360 Nigeria
Click to see story on tv360nigeria.comCanada: an Iranian plot foiled against the former Minister of Justice, Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on laboussoleinfos.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler – 105.9 The Region
Click to see story on 1059theregion.comIran conspired to assassinate former Canadian General Irwin Cotler, denounces Raoul Wallenberg Center
Click to see story on voz.usIran’s Regime Allegedly Plotted to Assassinate Former Canadian Attorney General
Click to see story on Iran FocusCotler, a longtime critic of Iran’s government, has been vocal in condemning Tehran’s actions, including its involvement in the 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which killed all 176 passengers. He has also campaigned to have Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) designated as a terrorist organization.
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According to Canadian media reports, the alleged plot involved two suspected Iranian agents and was considered an imminent threat. Security officials linked the threat to Cotler’s public criticism of Iran and his advocacy for human rights. Cotler had already been under surveillance following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which raised concerns about his safety.
Cotler responded to the alleged plot by stating, “We hold the regime accountable and send the message that we will not be intimidated or silenced.” He characterized Iran as a leading state actor in what he described as “transnational repression” and “transnational assassination.”
Canadian officials have not disclosed specific details about the investigation, and the RCMP has not confirmed whether arrests were made. The Iranian mission to the United Nations has not commented on the allegations.
Cotler’s name also reportedly appeared in a separate FBI investigation into an Iranian-linked assassination plot in the United States. That plot, revealed in 2022, targeted American human rights activist Masih Alinejad. While Cotler was not listed as a target, he was contacted by the FBI in connection to the investigation.
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Canada severed diplomatic ties with Iran more than a decade ago and listed the IRGC as a terrorist entity earlier this year. The latest developments have heightened concerns over Iran’s activities abroad. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the situation as “very concerning,” while Jean-Yves Duclos, Quebec’s senior minister, expressed support for Cotler and his family.
Cotler, who resides in Quebec, is the founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. He has represented political prisoners and dissidents globally and served as Canada’s first special envoy on Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.
[Karah Rucker]
CANADIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE UNCOVERED AND STOPPED AN ALLEGED IRANIAN PLOT TO ASSASSINATE A FORMER JUSTICE MINISTER. IRWIN COTLER — AN 84-YEAR-OLD HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE, KNOWN FOR HIS OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM OF TEHRAN — WAS ALERTED BY THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE ON OCTOBER 26 ABOUT AN IMMINENT THREAT.
AUTHORITIES SAY IRANIAN AGENTS WERE BEHIND THE PLAN, WHICH LED TO COTLER BEING PLACED UNDER POLICE PROTECTION.
COTLER, A VOCAL CRITIC OF IRAN’S GOVERNMENT, HAS CALLED OUT ITS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, ITS ROLE IN THE 2020 DOWNING OF A UKRAINIAN AIRLINER, AND ITS SUPPORT FOR GROUPS LIKE HAMAS. HE ALSO LED EFFORTS TO DESIGNATE IRAN’S ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, A MOVE CANADA FORMALIZED IN JUNE.
THE PLOT FOLLOWS A PATTERN OF ALLEGED IRANIAN ATTEMPTS TO TARGET DISSIDENTS AND CRITICS ABROAD. IN FACT, COTLER’S NAME SURFACED IN A SEPARATE FBI INVESTIGATION INTO AN IRANIAN MURDER-FOR-HIRE SCHEME TARGETING HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IN THE U.S. WHILE NOT A DIRECT TARGET IN THAT CASE, HIS ADVOCACY WORK CONTINUES TO DRAW ATTENTION FROM TEHRAN.
SENIOR GOVERNMENT MINISTERS HAVE CONDEMNED THE ALLEGED PLOT, DESCRIBING IT AS A CONCERNING ESCALATION. COTLER HIMSELF SAID THE INCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS THE DANGERS POSED BY TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION AND CALLED FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IRAN’S ACTIONS.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Former justice minister Irwin Cotler says RCMP told him Iranian plot to kill him was foiled
Click to see story on CBC NewsCanada foils Iran’s plan to assassinate former minister Irwin Cotler: Report
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-minister Irwin Cotler – National
Click to see story on Global NewsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Sask TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Rocky Mountain OutlookCanada, the Red Coats escort former Justice Minister, Cotler: Iran wants him dead
Click to see story on Il Fatto QuotidianoCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on InquirerMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on SooToday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Barrie TodayIran allegedly planned to assassinate former liberal minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesCanada has foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister, says NGO
Click to see story on France InfoCanadians thwart Iran’s assassination attempt on ex-minister
Click to see story on Novinky.czCanada thwarts an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister
Click to see story on La PresseCanada foils Iranian plot to kill Jewish human rights leader: What we know
Click to see story on Al-MonitorIran allegedly targeted former minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Radio-CanadaMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Bowen Island UndercurrentEx-Canadian minister Irwin Cotler says he was alleged target of Iran assassination plot
Click to see story on BBC NewsAlleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Click to see story on CTV NewsCanada thwarts alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-justice minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on WIONCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on VOA NewsIran allegedly planned to assassinate human-rights crusader Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The Globe & MailHuman rights lawyer Irwin Cotler evades Iranian assassination
Click to see story on Jerusalem PostCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on The Straits TimesAlleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler condemned by MPs
Click to see story on National PostCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister: Report
Click to see story on Firstpost NewsIrwin Cotler was the target of an Iranian assassination attempt, report says
Click to see story on Montreal GazetteIranian plot to kill Irwin Cotler foiled
Click to see story on Arutz ShevaReport: Iran Tried to Assassinate Its Prominent Canadian Jewish Critic Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Jewish PressCanadian Authorities Foil Iranian Assassination Plot Against Prominent Jewish Politician Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Yeshiva World NewsMPs React to Iran’s Alleged Assassination Attempt Against Former Minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The Epoch TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Toronto SunIran dismisses claims of plotting to assassinate former Canadian minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on PressTVRCMP foil Iranian assassination plot on former attorney general of Canada
Click to see story on True North NewsCanada foils Iranian plot to assassinate Jewish human rights advocate
Click to see story on Israel HayomBREAKING: Canadian authorities have foiled an Iranian assassination attempt
Click to see story on NEWSRAELIrwin Cotler Targeted in Alleged Iranian Assassination Plot – The Media Line
Click to see story on The Media LineIran attempted to assassinate Canada’s Jewish former AG
Click to see story on WINRight
Untracked Bias
Canada says it has stopped Iranian plan to assassinate former Israeli supporter of justice minister
Click to see story on SIC NotíciasMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Orillia MattersMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Newmarket TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Midland TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Collingwood TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Thorold TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Elora Fergus TodayCanada thwarts an Iranian plot against former minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on 20 MinutesOctopus Arms Everywhere: The New Iranian Assassination Attempt Revealed
Click to see story on Maariv OnlineMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Battlefords NOWMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on meadowlakeNOWCanada thwarts Iranian plot to assassinate former pro-Israel minister
Click to see story on القدس العربيMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on CFJC Today KamloopsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Chek newsMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Moose Jaw TodayFormer Canadian Justice Minister Claims Foiled Iranian Assassination Attempt – The Global Herald
Click to see story on The Global HeraldCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on The New ArabCanada thwarts an Iranian plot to assassinate a former minister
Click to see story on L'Orient-Le JourCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Business TimesMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on InnisfilToday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on ElliotLakeToday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on CambridgeToday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on StratfordToday.caCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Daily Lead PakistanMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on The NOTL LocalCanada activist raises alarm at alleged Iran plots to kill dissidents abroad
Click to see story on FOX 28 SpokaneMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on insaugaIrwin Cotler speaks on alleged Iran assassination plot
Click to see story on SecularTimesCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister: report
Click to see story on Insider PaperCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on AlKhaleej TodayCanada Announces Foiling Iranian Plot To Assassinate Former Minister
Click to see story on RAGEXIran dismisses claims of plotting to assassinate former Canadian minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Aletho NewsIranian plot to assassinate Canadian human-rights advocate Irwin Cotler foiled by authorities – South Asian Daily
Click to see story on – South Asian Daily where south asians meet dailyMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Bradford TodayMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Timmins TodaySTA: Canada reportedly thwarted Iran’s plot to kill former justice minister
Click to see story on sta.siMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on thealbertan.com(Updated) MPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Barrie 360MPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Oakville NewsCanada activist raises alarm at alleged Iran plots to kill dissidents abroad #CanadianNewsToday #CanadaLaw #CanadaJustice #CanadaLawFirm
Click to see story on canadanewsvideo.comCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former minister
Click to see story on Macau BusinessMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on fitzhugh.caCanada: Iran planned to assassinate the Minister of Justice and the father of a former MK
Click to see story on makorrishon.co.ilMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on burlingtontoday.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on haltonhillstoday.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on flamboroughtoday.comAlleged assassination plot against Irwin Cotler by Iranian agents foiled by law enforcement
Click to see story on dailyguardian.caMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate ex-minister Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on Verve timesCanada foiled Iran plot to assassinate former justice minister
Click to see story on Canadian AffairsFoiled Iranian Plot to Assassinate Canadian Human Rights Advocate Irwin Cotler – Iran News Update
Click to see story on Iran News UpdateCanada Foiled Iran Plot to Assassinate Former Minister Irwin Cotler – TV360 Nigeria
Click to see story on tv360nigeria.comCanada: an Iranian plot foiled against the former Minister of Justice, Irwin Cotler
Click to see story on laboussoleinfos.comMPs condemn alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler – 105.9 The Region
Click to see story on 1059theregion.comIran conspired to assassinate former Canadian General Irwin Cotler, denounces Raoul Wallenberg Center
Click to see story on voz.usIran’s Regime Allegedly Plotted to Assassinate Former Canadian Attorney General
Click to see story on Iran FocusStraight to your inbox.
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