Ex-Canadian minister says he was alleged target of Iran assassination plot

Canada’s former justice minister has confirmed to the BBC he was the target of a recent Iranian assassination attempt that was foiled.

Irwin Cotler’s office said he had been informed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of an Iranian-backed attempt on his life in late October.

Mr Cotler, 84, is a long-time critic of Iran, and previously called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be classified as a terrorist organisation.

The BBC has reached out to the Iranian foreign ministry for comment.

The alleged plot against Mr Cotler comes after the US laid charges against a man who is accused of trying to assassinate President elect-Donald Trump on behalf of Iran.

The Globe and Mail newspaper in Canada first reported the alleged plot against Mr Cotler on Monday morning, citing an unnamed source. Mr Cotler’s office then confirmed the report to the BBC.

Read more: BBC News