Ontario court raises Iran’s payout to a torture victim to $560M with interest, expanding damages under Canada’s terrorism victims law.
Court Adds Massive Interest to Original Judgment
First, an Ontario court increased the amount Iran must pay a Canadian torture survivor. Then, the court added decades of interest to a previous award. As a result, the total jumped from about $200 million to roughly $560 million. Moreover, the judge applied a five per cent annual interest rate to damages already granted.
Next, the court calculated 36 years of interest because the abuse began in 1990. Therefore, about $360 million was added on top of the earlier ruling. Additionally, the case now stands as one of the largest civil awards ever made in Canada to an individual.
Meanwhile, lawyer Mark Arnold, who represents the victim, said the ruling may set a national record. Furthermore, he noted that legal steps will continue to enforce payment.
Torture Case Stemming From 1990s Iran
First, the case centres on Zahed Haftlang, a man who survived torture in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Then, he came to Canada in 2001 as a refugee after suffering years of abuse.
Moreover, Haftlang once served as a child soldier during the Iran-Iraq war. Afterward, he was detained in Iran and tortured after officials viewed him with suspicion. In addition, the court found that authorities targeted him for political, religious, and ideological reasons.
Furthermore, Haftlang later worked on a cargo ship and escaped to Vancouver’s English Bay. Then, a kayaker helped him reach safety onshore. Eventually, he rebuilt his life in Canada and now lives in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
Court Finds State Responsibility Under Terror Law
Next, the Ontario court ruled that Iran’s actions counted as terrorism under Canadian law. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran could not use normal state immunity protections in this case.
Moreover, the court said the “revolutionary arm” of the state, led by Iran’s supreme leadership, carried responsibility for the torture. In addition, this ruling expanded how Canadian law treats state-linked human rights abuses.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act allows victims to sue states that support or carry out terrorism. As a result, courts can order compensation and allow victims to seek seized Iranian assets.
What Happens Next in the Case
First, Haftlang’s legal team plans to serve the judgment to Iran’s leadership. Then, they intend to pursue enforcement if Iran refuses payment. Moreover, the amount will continue to grow at four per cent annually if unpaid.
Additionally, Canada already allows victims to claim frozen or seized Iranian assets. Therefore, enforcement could target state-linked property inside and outside Canada.
Finally, this case highlights how Canadian courts continue to expand accountability for international human rights abuses.
