Canada halts deportation of Iranian rights activist

Roghayeh Azizi Mirmahaleh, 60, had come to Canada in 2012 seeking asylum but her claim was rejected because of her past affiliation with the exiled opposition group Mujahedin-e Khalq, which was once listed by Ottawa as a terrorist organisation.

Azizi had spent three years in an Iranian prison for political activism while her husband was executed.

On Tuesday, she was taken into Canadian custody in advance of her scheduled deportation back to Iran, triggering a public outcry.

Her daughter and supporters pleaded with authorities to reverse the deportation order.

According to Quebec Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil, who made the announcement, Azizi has been granted a two-year Canadian residency permit.

Her lawyer Stephanie Valois said it would give Azizi the time she needed to reapply and obtain refugee status.