Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

May 4, 2011

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I am writing you with my concerns about the detainment of Canadian journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who has been held by Syrian government since her arrival in the country on April 28, 2011. Ms. Parvaz was travelling to Syria as a part of her work with the television channel Al-Jazeera, and is being held without reason by the Syrian government. I am concerned about her welfare and safety at this time and I’ve heard from many constituents who share this same concern.

I believe that the Canadian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens working abroad, and I am concerned about your government’s lack of action on this matter. I urge you to use all necessary diplomatic resources to investigate her detainment and pressure the Syrian government to release her immediately; to see her returned safely to her family in Canada.

I look forward to your response on this matter.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies
MP, Vancouver East