A Canadian-Iranian blogger is believed to be facing a death sentence in Iran.
Hossein Derakhshan was arrested on Nov. 1, 2008 when he returned to Iran, and has been held in prison ever since.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression and PEN Canada say a trial was held this summer on charges of including collaborating with enemy states and insulting religious sanctity.
The two groups say the man's family told them the prosecutor is pushing for the death penalty.
CJFE president Arnold Amber said action must be taken quickly because executions can occur quickly after a trial.
Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said the Canadian government has been in contact with Iranian authorities to seek consular access to Derakhshan.
Cannon says Iran does not recognize dual citizenship, but Canada recognizes Derakhshan as its own citizen.
"We will continue to press the Iranian authorities for access, as we have in similar cases involving dual nationals in other jurisdictions," Cannon said in a statement to CTV.ca.
He also said officials "have been in contact with Iranian authorities, including by diplomatic note and through high level meetings, to seek consular access" to Derakhshan.
With files from The Canadian Press
