Iranian sex offender can stay in Canada

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 4 (UPI) -- An Iranian convicted of drug offenses and molesting two teenage girls will be allowed to remain in Canada because he could be executed in Iran, officials said.

The Immigration and Refugee Board ruled Thursday that Farid Noedost would not be deported, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. Michael McPhelan, a member of the board, made the decision despite fears Noedost will commit more crimes.

"I have concerns that you are dangerous to the public in Canada," McPhelan told Noedost, speaking by video link from Vancouver during a hearing in Winnipeg. "The way you have conducted yourself in Canada is despicable. You are a danger to girls under 18."

McPhelan warned Noedost he must follow conditions of his parole, including staying away from teenage girls.

Noedost was paroled this week from Stony Mountain Correctional Institution and immediately taken into custody by immigration authorities.

A convert to Christianity, Noedost came to Canada as a refugee and was granted permanent residence in 2001. He was arrested in 2006 on charges of molesting two girls who were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Iran, said by Human Rights Watch to execute more people than any country except China, hanged 20 convicted drug traffickers Saturday.