News / Politics

Iran blasts Commonwealth states for failing to provide security for Iranian voters

Saturday, 19 June 2021 7:50 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 19 June 2021 8:19 AM ]

Counter-revolutionary elements attack Iranian voters outside a polling station in the British city of Birmingham on June 18, 2021.

The Iranian Judiciary’s High Council for Human Rights has censured the Commonwealth member states such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand for failing to provide security for the Iranians voting in the 13th presidential election at the embassies of their host countries.

In post on its Twitter account late on Friday, the rights council also hit out at Canada, another Commonwealth member, for depriving some 500,000 Iranian voters from casting ballots.

“Today, the Iranians residents of Britain, Australia and New Zealand, who went to the polls to determine their own fate, were harassed and attacked despite police presence. These countries, along with Canada which deprived half a million Iranians from the elections, are all taking cue from the royal office," the tweet read, referring to the Buckingham Palace, where Queen Elizabeth II lives.

On Friday, millions of Iranians went to the polls inside the country and abroad to elect a successor to President Hassan Rouhani, who has served two four-year terms.

Some reports said counter-revolutionary elements, who had gathered outside Iranian diplomatic missions in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, attacked the people who had turned out for the vote.

Canada preventing Iran from setting up polling stations for expats

Iran’s election authority says the Ottawa government has not allowed the setting up of polling stations in Canada in order for Iranian expats to participate in the upcoming presidential election, in breach of international norms.

The Ottawa government also did not allow the setting up of polling stations in Canada in order for Iranian expats to participate in the election, in breach of international norms.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir