WANA (Feb 21) – The Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., announced in a statement that the deportation of several Iranian asylum seekers to Panama was carried out without the office’s prior knowledge or consular access.

 

On Thursday, local time, the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., commented on the deportation of several Iranian asylum seekers from the United States and their transfer to Panama, stating that this action was taken without prior notification to the office or the provision of consular access.

 

The statement from the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., reads as follows:

 

“It is hereby announced that the U.S. government, by adopting stricter immigration policies, is deporting foreign nationals who do not possess valid visas or legal residency in the United States, sending them back to their respective countries.

 

In this context, we have recently been informed that several Iranian nationals, who were detained without visas or identity documents, have been deported to Panama without any notification to the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., or the provision of consular access.

 

The Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington, D.C., along with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombia (accredited to Panama), in collaboration with experienced lawyers, has taken all necessary measures to protect and support their rights and interests, as well as those of other fellow Iranians.

 

According to the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran, seeking asylum in a third country is not considered an offense. Undoubtedly, the homeland remains open with welcoming arms to all dear Iranians.”