IHRC has written to the head of the Metropolitan Police in London, Sir Mark Rowley, to protest about the force’s failure to adequately police voting by Iranian nationals at the country’s embassy in London.

At least two people were physically attacked by an anti-Iranian government protestor. One, an elderly female, had her headscarf ripped off and the other, a male, required hospital treatment for a fractured thumb.

Both incidents took place as Iranian expatriates in the UK flocked to the embassy to cast their vote in the country’s presidential election on 28 June with the perpetrator recording the attacks on her mobile and uploading them to social media platforms.

The two victims are just those that have been identified by IHRC with the total number believed to be much higher.

Given the record of dissident militant Iranian exiles in the UK in attacking events and gatherings that are deemed to be supportive of the Islamic Republic, it is nothing short of negligent that the Metropolitan Police appear to have failed to carry out risk assessments for the voting and put in place appropriate measures.

The failure lends support to the view that the Met is operating a two-tier system of policing in which Muslims are deprived of protection.

With voting due to take place again at the Iranian Embassy on Friday 5 July 2024, and given that the perpetrators are actively bragging about their violence, IHRC expects the Met to take immediate action to prevent a repetition of last week’s events.

The letter to the Met is available to read here. 

[ENDS]

For more information or comment please contact the Press Office on (+44) 208 904 0222  or (+44) 7958 522196 or email media@ihrc.org
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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
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