Saghi Ghahraman, Niaz Salimi and I were the original board members of Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization (PGLO). PGLO was registered as an Ontario corporation in May 2007. PGLO was also known by the name IRanian Queer Organization (IRQO). It is regrettable that the issues amongst the PGLO board members gave rise to public statements concerning the dissolution of the board and PGLO’s finances.
I believed that a constructive resolution of the issues amongst the board members could best be achieved through private discussions between our respective lawyers. It was for that reason that I retained counsel to act on my behalf and declined to provide immediate public comment on the matters raised by Ms. Ghahraman and Ms. Salimi.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) awarded $5,000 to IRQO in connection with IRQO’s work on behalf of Iranian refugees during the time I was executive director. I confirm that I returned the $5,000 cheque to IGLHRC at IGLHRC’s request. I understand that IGLHRC has since delivered a $5,000 cheque to IRQO and this matter is now closed.
With respect to the PGLO bank account, I confirm that Ms. Ghahraman, Ms. Salimi and I were members of the PGLO board of directors and the only persons with signing authority on PGLO’s bank account. Two signatures were required on each cheque drawn on the account. All cheques drawn on the PGLO bank account by me were co-signed by either Ms. Gaharaman or Ms. Salimi. Funds were not withdrawn from that account without the knowledge of Ms. Gaharaman and/or Ms. Salimi. I confirm I provided Ms. Gaharaman and Ms. Salimi with copies of the PGLO bank statements through our respective counsel.
I consider these matters to be closed. I remain committed to my work on behalf of Iranian refugees in my capacity as executive director of Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees - IRQR.
