EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Canadian Minister Warned of Iran’s Danger—Then Learned He Was a Target...

In an exclusive interview, former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler revealed the chilling reality that a plot was underway to assassinate him on Canadian soil. Cotler, a staunch advocate for human rights and vocal critic of Iran’s government, had previously written about the dangers of Tehran’s extraterritorial repression—targeting dissidents and critics across the globe—but he never imagined he would become one of those targets.

The plot against Cotler serves as a stark reminder of the reach of Iran’s transnational operations, a growing concern among human rights defenders and international law enforcement agencies. According to Cotler, Iran’s government does not only suppress dissent within its borders but also extends its reach beyond them, using intimidation and violence to silence those who speak out, even those in far-flung countries like Canada.

The Plot Against Cotler

Cotler first learned of the assassination plot against him in October 2023 when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) informed him of an active threat. "I was supposed to attend the 60th anniversary of my McGill Law class in Montreal," Cotler explained. "I was prepared, and the RCMP security detail was also prepared to escort me. However, that same day, I was informed that there was a warning of an imminent assassination attempt within the next 48 hours."

The news left Cotler shaken, but not entirely surprised. As a lifelong advocate for human rights, he has long been outspoken about the Iranian regime’s actions, particularly its systemic repression of dissent. Iran has a long history of targeting dissidents, and Cotler’s advocacy for Iranian political prisoners and human rights had already made him a prominent target.

The Globe and Mail first reported on the alleged plot in early November 2023, citing law enforcement sources that mentioned two suspects involved in the plan. Cotler, however, said that he was unaware of the identities of these individuals but received confirmation from authorities that the threat against him had been significantly reduced. Even so, the experience would change his life forever.

A Year of Threats and Constant Vigilance

For Cotler, the threat of violence was not a one-time event. In fact, his life had been under constant threat since 2023. The RCMP informed Cotler of the ongoing danger and escalated security measures. On November 14, 2023, Cotler was returning to Montreal from Washington, D.C., with his wife when the gravity of the situation became clear. As they disembarked at the airport, they were told not to leave and immediately began receiving text messages from neighbors about armored vehicles stationed outside their home.

From that moment forward, Cotler’s life would be under 24-hour police protection. He has had a security detail accompanying him wherever he goes, even for medical appointments or family outings. "My life was altered with my freedom of movement restricted," he remarked, "but it has not altered my advocacy."

In spite of the personal cost—his daily life constantly disrupted by armed security—Cotler remains resolute in his commitment to speaking out against Iranian repression. "The purpose of these assassination attempts and threats is to intimidate, to silence, and to arrest the target," he said. "But I have been able to continue my public advocacy because I have the protection. This is not a privilege most Canadians would have in similar circumstances."

Cotler’s Lifelong Advocacy Against Iran

Cotler’s activism is not a new development. As a Member of Parliament and later Canada’s Minister of Justice, Cotler was a prominent advocate for human rights, particularly in relation to Iran. He was one of the earliest Canadian politicians to call for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be designated as a terrorist organization. Despite facing considerable resistance, he pushed this cause throughout his political career, a campaign that culminated in 2024 when Canada finally took the step of officially labeling the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

“I first advocated for putting the IRGC on the terrorist list in 2008 when I was a Member of Parliament,” Cotler recalled. “It took until 2024, but I fought until it happened.”

His efforts to raise awareness about Iran’s human rights violations extend far beyond Canada. As a lawyer, Cotler represented Iranian dissidents, advocating for their release from political imprisonment. He also founded the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, where he continues to push for accountability for Iran’s extraterritorial actions.

Despite the numerous threats against his life, Cotler remains undeterred, drawing strength from the causes he champions. "I know what these assassination attempts are meant to do, but they will not stop me," he said firmly.

Iran’s Transnational Repression

Iran’s actions are not limited to threats and intimidation within its borders. The regime has long been accused of waging a campaign of transnational repression, targeting critics and dissidents who have fled the country. Cotler’s experience is just the tip of the iceberg in a much larger, global campaign to silence any opposition to the regime.

One of the more alarming aspects of this repression is Iran’s use of organized crime networks to carry out its operations abroad. U.S. law enforcement agencies have uncovered disturbing links between Iran and criminal organizations in North America. A recent unsealed indictment revealed that two Canadians with ties to the Hells Angels biker gang were allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence to carry out assassinations in the United States. These men were reportedly tasked with killing prominent Iranian-American human rights activist Masih Alinejad, a target whom Cotler knows personally.

Alinejad, who has been an outspoken critic of Iran’s regime, has already survived multiple murder-for-hire plots orchestrated by Tehran. Cotler has often spoken out on her behalf, emphasizing the personal risk she faces for simply speaking out against the Iranian government.

"I’ve known Masih for years," said Cotler. "She’s been a target of multiple assassination attempts, and Iran is not shy about using whatever means necessary to silence its critics."

Canada’s Role in Combating Transnational Repression

Cotler has repeatedly called on Canada to take a more active role in combating Iran’s transnational repression. In a recent conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Cotler emphasized the need for the Canadian government to take a leadership role in pushing back against Iran’s assassination plots at international forums such as the G7 summit, which Canada will host in 2024.

“The real problem has been the culture of impunity,” Cotler noted. “What is needed now is a culture of accountability.”

Iran’s transnational repression is a growing global issue, and countries like Canada, which have long prided themselves on being defenders of human rights, must step up to hold Iran accountable for its actions. Cotler’s personal experience with these threats has only strengthened his resolve to ensure that the Iranian regime faces consequences for its extraterritorial violence.

Standing Strong in the Face of Danger

Irwin Cotler’s life was irrevocably changed the day he learned of the Iranian plot to assassinate him. Yet, despite the grave threats and the heavy security detail that now follows him, Cotler remains a powerful voice in the fight for human rights and the rule of law.

His story is not just one of personal survival but a poignant reminder of the broader struggle faced by countless dissidents around the world who are targeted by authoritarian regimes for speaking out. Cotler’s continued advocacy, even in the face of such personal danger, underscores the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced by fear. As long as he can, Cotler will keep fighting for the freedom of those whose voices are silenced by regimes like Iran’s, no matter the cost.