The Canadian government denied Internet reports that its Tehran embassy is actively turning away injured protesters seeking sanctuary - but cautioned that its offices there are deliberately closed during the height of protests against disputed presidential elections.
Canadian officials could not say what would happen should Iranian protesters seek asylum or aid outside Canada's Tehran embassy's office hours.
People using the Internet messaging service Twitter broadcast word on Saturday that the Canadian embassy in Tehran had refused requests for shelter and aid from Iranian demonstrators.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said the Canadian embassy in Tehran was closed Saturday as part of its normal weekend shutdown. Simone McAndrew described as "false" Twitter reports that said Canada was rejecting requests for aid and asylum.
At the same time, however, she also dismissed Internet reports that Canada was granting asylum to demonstrators.
The embassy was open yesterday - as it is normally - and did not turn away or receive injured protesters, officials said.
Ms. McAndrew said that embassy staff are cutting short office hours to avoid protests - events that draw reprisals from Iranian authorities and have reportedly left 17 dead and hundreds injured.
"Canada's embassy is located in the centre of recent demonstrations. Due to the tense security in Tehran this week, the embassy has been closing early so that staff can return home safely before the public and democratic demonstrations begin," Ms. McAndrew said.
Officials said Canada's embassies do not generally offer asylum to foreigners but acknowledged they sometimes provide a haven for individuals already inside an embassy seeking "temporary refuge" from an "immediate threat."
Toronto resident Ali, an Iranian Canadian, called his parents in Tehran on Saturday after receiving an e-mail from a friend that said that the Canadian embassy wasn't accepting injured protesters.
"When I got that, I called my parents in Tehran and my mom said yes, she had heard the same," Ali, 38, said. "They were saying that they weren't accepting people [Saturday]and saying it was ridiculous that other embassies were and the Canadians weren't."
No country has so far confirmed that it is providing shelter for injured Iranians in its Tehran embassy.
Ali said his family is cautious about what they discuss over the phone for fear the government may be listening in, and asked that he be identified only by his first name in order to protect his parents' identity. He said his parents live a short walk from the Canadian embassy, but they weren't near the building on Saturday.
Steven Chase