December 4, 2009

DOC sends a letter to Minister Van Loan in regards to treatment of Amy Goodman when crossing the border into Canada. Read more here.

August 17, 2009

DOC sends its petition to the Iranian Government and issues a press release.  To read the press release please click here.

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DOC urges its members to sign the following petition asking for the

release of filmmaker Maziar Bahari

The Documentary Organization of Canada / l'association des Documentaristes du Canada (DOC) is a national arts service organization representing over 800 members across the country working in the documentary sector. We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned that Canadian/Iranian journalist and filmmaker Maziar Bahari has been detained by the Iranian government since June 21. Mr. Bahari was arrested while fulfilling his lawful responsibilities as a journalist for Newsweek Magazine reporting on events following the Iranian elections. Since his arrest no charges have been brought against him nor has he had access to a lawyer.



We find this situation extremely disturbing.  Maziar Bahari is known as a man of great integrity and through the years his documentaries have become well-known to the international community.  He is especially respected for his ability to convey a balanced and intelligent portrayal of Middle Eastern life in his work. These wonderful films offer an interpretation that is both insightful and compassionate of a culture often misunderstood by the West.



We are asking for his immediate release from custody.  Iran was one of the first countries to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1975 and as a signator country,  Mr. Bahari is entitled to his freedom under this law.  He should be allowed to continue his work as a filmmaker and as a journalist.  His talent and ability as a cultural translator are too valuable to be lost either to your country or to ours.



Respectfully submitted,

If you are having trouble viewing the petition, please visit this website:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/234155145