Iranian diplomat declared persona non grata in Bahrain for espionage

[News_Editor]

Iranian diplomat declared persona non grata in Bahrain for espionage

2011-04-26 05:22:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANAMA, BAHRAIN (BNO NEWS) -- Bahrain on Monday declared an Iranian diplomat persona non grata due to alleged spying activities, the state-run BNA news agency reported.

Iranian Embassy second secretary Hujatullah Rahmani was ordered to leave the country within the next 72 hours for her suspected links with an espionage cell based in Kuwait.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry summoned Iranian Embassy Charg d'Affaires Mahdi Islami and informed him of the situation through a diplomatic memorandum. The Bahraini government also urged Iran to stop its 'irresponsible behavior'.

Furthermore, the Middle Eastern nation urged Iran to restrain from any interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region as it represents violation of international law and a threat to national security.

Iran has openly supported the social unrest that began in Bahrain after protesters called for a "Day of Rage" on February 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, which returned the country to constitutional rule after the 1990s uprisings.

Initially, people took to the streets to demand reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy, but later they began to call for the removal of the royal family. Bahrain is ruled by the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, but two-thirds of its population is Shiite.

In March, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait deployed their troops to Bahrain to reinforce a massive armed crackdown on the popular uprising. More than 25 people have been killed, hundreds arrested and thousands injured in the government-authorized violence.

Several Iranian leaders have called for its government to play a more direct role in supporting the popular uprising in Bahrain. The latest being Commander of Iran's Basij Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi.

"Enemy is seeking to distract Iran with internal issues in a bid to stop spiritual support in such a dangerous time when the oppressed nations need the Islamic Republic's assistance," said Commander Naqdi.

However, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take the necessary measures to stop "Iran's provocative interference" in the domestic affairs of their countries.

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