Following widespread reactions to the humiliation and torture of Afghan refugees by Iranian police, Iranian officials have declared that they are not anti-refugee and view such behavior as contrary to Islamic traditions and the culture of hospitality.
Tarz Press – Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, Assistant to Iran's Foreign Minister, wrote on X on Friday, August 9, that no Iranian official is anti-refugee, nor can they accept such behavior. He added that anti-refugee sentiment is "against the tradition of Islamic brotherhood and the culture of hospitality." This statement appears to be a direct response to Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban member, who accused the Iranian government of anti-refugee behavior yesterday. Haqqani had written on X that "Iran is violating the human rights of refugees, and this is unacceptable to the Taliban."
In a subtle response to Anas Haqqani's concerns, Mousavi stated that anti-refugee sentiment is a term used by foreigners and claimed that no Iranian official is anti-refugee. He also added, "Just as the people of Iran are required to follow the country's laws, foreign nationals must also comply with Iran's laws and regulations."
This statement comes amid numerous recent reports of mistreatment, torture, and humiliation of Afghan refugees by Iranian police. The arrest of Seyed Mahdi Mousavi is the most recent case that has sparked widespread reactions on social media. His family members reported that Seyed Mahdi was severely injured in the neck after his release. In a video attributed to Seyed Mahdi, an Iranian police officer is seen placing his knee on Seyed Mahdi's neck, and Seyed Mahdi can be heard pleading, "Take your foot off my throat," but the officer presses down again without concern.
