| Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC December 6, 2006 Iran: Vetting of Candidates for December ElectionsIn preparation for the upcoming Assembly of Experts, municipal councils, and several parliamentary by-elections on December 15th, the Iranian regime has once again disqualified thousands of aspiring candidates on purely ideological grounds. Furthermore, the regime continues to crack down on media outlets, blocking Iran's citizens from access to unbiased information and a diversity of thought and opinion. The regime's track record of restricting the freedom of expression and participation in electoral competition demonstrates a profound disrespect for the will of the Iranian people and international standards of free elections. We continue to support the Iranian people in their efforts to exercise these basic rights. |
