G7 Countries Condemn Iranian Transnational Repression, Attacks on Rivals

The G7 countries have issued a joint statement condemning recent actions by Iran, describing the country as engaging in transnational repression and attacks on political opponents in other nations. The seven countries, including Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, come together through the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to counter foreign interference.

According to a statement released by the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, Iranian intelligence services have been attempting to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, following a disturbing pattern of transnational repression that undermines state sovereignty. The statement also mentions other malign activities, including operations to obtain and disclose personal information of journalists and attacks designed to divide societies and intimidate Jewish communities.

A "Hack and Leak" Operation Targeted Iranian Journalists

Global Affairs Canada stated that its Rapid Response Mechanism group detected a "hack and leak" operation by an Iran-linked hacker group, Handala Hack Team. The operation targeted five Iranian international journalists, including one located in Canada. According to Global Affairs, the leaked information appeared on July 8, including photos of government IDs and intimate content, which were then amplified on social media and Iranian news websites.

Global Affairs also mentioned that sources such as the Atlantic Council linked Handala Hack Team to Iran's intelligence services. This operation appears to focus on a Canadian employee of the news outlet Iran International.

Australia and New Zealand Condemn Attacks by Iran

Australia and New Zealand issued statements condemning attacks by Iran in July. Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador to Australia and three other diplomats, stating that Iran was behind attacks against the Jewish community. New Zealand responded by condemning Iran's actions.

Transnational Repression in Canada

In her final report earlier this year, Justice Marie-Josée Hogue found that Iran was engaging in transnational repression in Canada — particularly among Canadian residents of Iranian origin. She wrote, "The government assesses Iran as a considerable transnational threat because it is likely monitoring, influencing, collecting information on, harassing and intimidating the Iranian diaspora community to prevent criticism of Iran."

Iran's Response

Iran's Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to a request for comment from CBC News regarding the G7 statement.

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