Iran criticises US travel ban as discriminatory

An Iranian Foreign Ministry official has strongly criticised a recent UStravel ban that prohibits citizens from several countries, including Iran, from entering the United States.

Alireza Hashemi Raja, Director General of the Iranian Expatriates’ Affairs Department, condemned the decision following a proclamation signed by US President Donald Trump on June 4. The proclamation restricts entry for citizens of 12 countries, citing concerns over national security and terrorism, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Hashemi Raja described the measure as discriminatory and a reflection of what he called a “racist mindset” among US policymakers.

“The US administration’s decision to ban the entry of Iranians – merely because of their faith and nationality – not only indicates the American decision-makers’ great hostility toward the people of Iran and Muslims, but also violates the fundamental principles of the international law, including the principle on the prohibition of discrimination and the basic human rights,” he said.

He further claimed the policy exemplifies “racial prejudice and systematic racism prevailing in the US government” and urged international bodies to respond.

Hashemi Raja called on the United Nations and human rights organisations to “overtly oppose the US’ unilateral policies that have violated the human rights norms.”

According to the proclamation, the countries affected by the full travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face partial restrictions.

By Sabina Mammadli