The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 27, 2011
Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Iran
The United States strongly condemns the Iranian government’s organized intimidation campaign and arrests of political figures, human rights defenders, political activists, student leaders, journalists and bloggers. The Iranian government also continues to deny its citizens access to information by jamming satellite transmissions and blocking internet sites.
The United States and the world will continue to bear witness to the Iranian government’s blatant violation of the universal rights of its citizens and its ongoing hypocrisy. The Iranian government should allow active dialogue among its citizens, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly without fear. Iranians deserve the same justice and rights that their government extols the virtue of abroad.