TEHRAN – The Iranian Embassy in London has strongly condemned the harassment of Iranian voters during the recent presidential elections, warning that those responsible for such "aggressive behavior" will face consequences without tolerance.
Ali Matinfar, Iran’s Charge d’Affaires, stated on Saturday that substantial evidence has been gathered documenting incidents of harassment directed at Iranian voters during both the first and second rounds of elections held on June 28 and July 5.
Matinfar disclosed that the evidence includes videos and images submitted by Iranian residents in the UK, as well as footage captured by CCTV cameras and images shared on social media platforms.
The Iranian diplomat highlighted that the collected evidence is currently under review, and once assessed thoroughly, it will be presented to relevant judicial authorities in the UK. The aim is to ensure that all individuals involved in the harassment of Iranian voters are held accountable under the law.
Matinfar acknowledged that this judicial process will require time but assured Iranian residents in the UK that their rights will be upheld through its completion.
During the presidential election, thousands of Iranian citizens residing in the UK visited ten designated polling stations across the country to cast their votes.
However, reports surfaced of anti-Iranian groups gathering outside these polling stations, aiming to provoke tension and disrupt the voting process. Incidents of confrontation between these groups and Iranian voters and election organizers were also reported.
Some of these groups resorted to threats and intimidation tactics against voters simply because they participated in the election process. Law enforcement authorities intervened, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals during both election rounds.
Furthermore, the interference against the electoral process extended beyond election day. A day prior to the election, anti-Iranian elements allegedly coerced venue owners to cancel rental contracts for polling stations by threatening them or raising politically motivated objections concerning Iran.
Local authorities in Britain arrested six individuals during the first round of the Iranian presidential elections for attempting to physically harm voters.
Despite police cooperation in most Western countries, Tehran is pursuing legal action against those who harassed voters to prevent similar instances in the future.
The Iranian embassy in the UK had previously announced the establishment of a dedicated office to collect evidence of attacks against Iranian citizens, which will be presented to police and used in legal proceedings. “All available evidence and documentation of violence, threats, and acts of hatred against Iranian citizens are being collected,” the embassy said in a statement. “We assure our dear compatriots in Britain that the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in London will use all its power to support our dear compatriots and bring this case to a conclusion and punish the aggressors and violent terrorists and will take any necessary measures,” it added.
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