PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

11 YEARS, 11 PICTURES

Photographs by Ziba Zahra Kazemi exhibited in Toronto for the first time (Opens July 11)

TORONTO, July 10, 2014 — For the first time, Ziba Zahra Kazemi’s photography will be on exhibit in Toronto at Banu, located at 777 Queen Street West. The opening date, July 11, marks the 11th anniversary of the Iranian-Canadian photojournalist’s murder. In 2003,Ziba Kazemi, known as Zahra, was arrested while taking pictures of grieving mothers outside of Iran’s notorious Evin Prison. She was arrested and tortured by Iranian officials before succumbing to her injuries.

The exhibition, curated by her son Stephan Hashemi, will feature 11 photographs taken across the globe during her travels. Hashemi has been waiting for the Supreme Court of Canada to deliberate on whether he has the right to sue the Iranian government for the murder of his mother since presenting his case in of the courts December 4, 2013. “The idea of exhibiting my mothers work in a public place related to the Supreme Court case made a lot of sense.” said Stephan Hashemi. "We chose Banu because its proprietor, Samira Mohyeddin, has been the single greatest supporter of my mother’s story and what she represents."

Along with her family, Moyheddin has been advocating for justice in Zahra’s case. By chance, Hashemi heard Moyheddin, an outspoken activist and writer, speak about his mother at a human rights conference in 2005 at Concordia University in Montreal and approached her years later about showing his mother’s work. "11 years has gone by since the brutal rape, torture and murder of Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian citizen.” said Mohyeddin, "I will do everything in my power to help her only son see that justice is served. The Supreme Court of Canada must allow Stephan Hashemi the chance to hold the Iranian government accountable for its heinous crimes."  

Kazemi's works will be on display in Toronto until the Supreme Court of Canada makes its decision.

About Banu Iranian Kabob and Vodka Bar

Banu is located at 777 Queen Street West in Toronto. Since opening in 2006, it has been dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights and fighting injustices in Canada and beyond. For more information go to www.banu.ca and follow @banuqueenwest on twitter.

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