Press Release

For immediate release 

27 June 2024

Ealing Council has cancelled hosting an Iranian election polling station following concerns raised by members of the public, journalists, counsellors and pressure groups.

Due to take place tomorrow (28 June), the Council had initially agreed to allow use of its facilities for Iranian citizens in the UK who were looking to cast a vote in what is widely accepted as an illegitimate election process.

However, following the launch of an urgent online campaign encouraging the public to email the council, the decision was made to cancel the event. 

The campaign was coordinated by the British Iranian diaspora, led by United4Mahsa, Voice of Iran, and Stage of Freedom, in collaboration with activists, independent journalists, and Ealing Councillor Monica Hamidi. 

Ealing Council Counsellor, Monica Hamidi Said:

"The fascist Iranian Government doesn't believe in democracy or freedom, they believe only in enriching themselves and protecting their position. These elections are a scam, a fig leaf for the dictators in Iran to cover themselves.
The Iranian government has continued to persecute and exploit the people of Iran, the birthplace of Cyrus is polluted by their actions. I am delighted that Ealing Council upon discovering the details of the event they agreed to host, cancelled the booking. Ealing should, and will, play no part in this shameful spectacle.
The simple act of opposition to the government is enough to have you raped, beaten, and murdered in Iran, these so-called elections will change nothing other than the face of dictatorship.”
 

A spokesperson for United4Mahsa, Haleh said:

“We welcome Ealing Council’s decision to no longer host the Islamic Republic’s presidential elections”. 

“We believe that the Islamic Republic is a murderous regime that, according to the UN Fact-Finding Mission, has committed crimes against humanity”. 

“Holding such events on British soil in publicly funded buildings legitimises this barbaric regime and cannot be allowed to happen”. 

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the activists and the community for their immense pressure in such a short period. This should serve as a precedent for handling similar future events.”

For media enquiries, please email press@united4mahsa.com

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