The Islamic Republic has dismissed a recent report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, as politically motivated, biased, and without any legal basis.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized the report, which accuses the government of human rights violations, saying it is a reflection of Western animosity toward Iran.

“Ahmad Shaheed’s report contains repeated claims, which the Islam Republic has dismissed several times. In addition, his claims are based on accounts by Iran’s enemies, resulting in an unsubstantiated report that does not reflect the realities on the ground in the country,” the statement said.

On June 17, 2011, the UN Human Rights Council, under pressure from the United States and its allies, named former Maldivian Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed as its human rights investigator on Iran.

Tehran insists that the appointment of a UN special rapporteur on Iran's human rights is a selective, politically-motivated and unacceptable move.
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