(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - “The Islamic Republic of Iran voices its grave concern on the conditions of Bahraini people and the continuation of oppressive policies of the country's leaders as well as the military presence and role of the neighboring countries in suppressing the defenseless people of Bahrain,” Head of the Human Rights Committee of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Zohreh Elahian said in a Wednesday letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the world body's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran also warns of the adverse consequences of resorting to and continuing the policy of massacring civilians,” Majlis news agency (ICANA) quoted her as saying in the letter.
Elahian touched upon the Saudi-led invasion of Bahrain and pointed out that Iran believes that foreign military intervention in Bahrain by any country or under any pretext runs counter to international regulations and the UN Charter, and violates the Bahraini people's right to determine their destiny.
The Iranian legislator called on the UN chief to mobilize international efforts to stop the policy of killing the Bahraini people and illegal military intervention of neighboring countries.
The Iranian lawmaker reiterated that international community and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights need to show serious reaction to the recent developments in Bahrain.
She further demanded an appropriate response to the violation of Bahraini people's rights in order to achieve the objectives of the UN Charter regarding the respect for and promotion of human rights.
Elahian expressed regret over the policy of suppressing civilians by certain governments, particularly Bahrain, and the 'poor performance and meaningful silence' of the international community on the killings of oppressed people who seek democracy.
She warned of Bahrainis' frustration with the lack of support from international circles advocating human rights and noted that such disappointment damages the prestige of international human rights bodies.
Since mid-February, thousands of anti-government protesters in Bahrain have poured into the streets, calling for an end to al-Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled the country for almost 40 years.
On March 13, Saudi-led forces were dispatched to the Persian Gulf island at Manama's request to quell the countrywide protests.
According to local sources, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested so far during the government clampdown on the peaceful demonstrations in Bahrain.
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