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Iran denounces EU meddling in judicial affairs

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi

Iran has slammed a recent statement by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic service, on a verdict upholding a prison sentence handed down to an Iranian citizen, saying the move amounts to interference in the country’s domestic affairs.

“The EU should avoid such unconventional remarks by gaining a more accurate understanding of judicial procedures in Iran,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Saturday.

Earlier this week, an Iranian appeals court confirmed the 16-year sentence for Narges Mohammadi, 44, on charges of colluding to act against national security, engaging in propaganda campaign against the government as well as forming and directing an illegal group.

The EEAS spokesperson claimed in a statement that the ruling sends a “worrying signal about the human rights situation” in Iran.

Qassemi, however, described the comments as “unconstructive” at a time when Iran and Europe are set to hold negotiations on human rights in the near future.

“Undoubtedly, those who issued the statement should be aware that the issue of human rights and its promotion will not be realized by issuing mere political statements,” the Iranian diplomat said.

He further noted that the issue of human rights should not be used as a “pretext for meddling in the internal affairs of countries and making judgments about topics that lie solely within the duties and authorities of the counties’ independent judiciary system.”

“Such claims that are based on inaccurate assumptions and especially negligence in judicial procedures in Iran will not be constructive,” Qassemi added.

The Islamic Republic has on numerous occasions criticized the West for applying double standards on human rights and using the issue as an instrument to advance their own agendas.


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