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Key Points

The G7 nations have issued a strong condemnation of Iran's increasing attempts to target political opponents in other countries. This includes disturbing patterns of assassination plots, kidnappings, and harassment operations against dissidents abroad. Recent investigations in Canada and the US have uncovered concrete evidence of these malign activities. The G7 has pledged to continue defending individuals from foreign government overreach within their borders.

Key Points: G7 Condemns Iran Transnational Repression Targeting Political Opponents

  • G7 condemns Iran's pattern of transnational repression targeting dissidents
  • Includes assassination plots against defectors living in Western countries
  • Malign activities target journalists and intimidate Jewish communities
  • Canada's inquiry found Iran engaging in repression against residents
2 min read

G7 countries condemn attempts by Iran to target political opponents in other countries

G7 nations unite to condemn Iran's increasing attempts to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, calling it a clear violation of state sovereignty.

"Iranian intelligence services have increasingly attempted to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad - G7 RRM Statement"

Ottawa, September 13

Member countries of the G7-Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union) as well as G7 associate members on Friday (local time) condemned increasing attempts by the Iranian state to carry out transnational repression and attacks on political opponents in other countries.

In a statement the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) said, "The G7 RRM notes recent statements made by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemning transnational repression and other malign activities by Iran."

"According to those statements, Iranian intelligence services have increasingly attempted to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, following a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of transnational repression, and clearly undermining state sovereignty. Other malign activities include operations to obtain and disclose the personal information of journalists and attacks designed to divide societies and intimidate Jewish communities. The G7 RRM stands in solidarity with our international partners whose citizens and residents have also been targeted by Iran, "the statement added.

"Since its inception, the G7 RRM has aimed to counter foreign interference. Building on the recent G7 Leaders' Statement on Transnational Repression, we will continue to safeguard our sovereignty, keep our communities safe, and defend individuals from the overreach of foreign governments trying to silence, intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce them within our borders," the statement further read.

According to a report on CBC News Canada, Iran was one of the countries singled out earlier this year by Canada's public inquiry into foreign interference. The inquiry found that Iran was engaging in transnational repression in Canada, particularly among Canadian residents of Iranian origin.

In January 2024, the US Department of Justice unsealed documents to reveal a plot that claimed that two Canadians planned to conduct assassinations in the U.S. on behalf of Iran's intelligence services.

The suspects were accused of plotting to shoot a man and woman living in Maryland, one of them a defector from Iran.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I'm proud that our country doesn't engage in such activities abroad. We respect sovereignty of other nations. Hope Iran takes this condemnation seriously and changes its approach. 🙏
A
Aditya G
While I support the condemnation, I hope G7 countries also look at their own intelligence activities in other countries. Sometimes double standards exist in international politics. Just saying 🤔
S
Sarah B
This is terrifying! People should feel safe in their adopted countries. Canada and other nations need to strengthen protections for immigrants and political refugees. No government should hunt people across borders.
V
Vikram M
India has many Iranian students and professionals living here peacefully. Hope our government remains vigilant against any such activities on Indian soil. Our sovereignty must be protected at all costs.
N
Nikhil C
The targeting of Jewish communities mentioned here is particularly concerning. As a diverse nation, India understands the importance of protecting all communities. Global unity needed against such threats.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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