UANI Statement and Resource on Iran's Disregard for International Law

January 15, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2016
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UANI Statement and Resource on Iran's Disregard for International Law
Unlawful Seizure of U.S. Naval Vessels and Mistreatment of Crew

New York, NY - United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) today condemned the Iranian regime's unlawful seizure of two U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and its mistreatment of American sailors, in contravention of the Third Geneva Convention.

Said UANI CEO Amb. Mark D. Wallace:

On the eve of being awarded $100 billion in sanctions relief, Tehran continues its aggression against America. Iran's seizure of the two riverine vessels and detention of 10 American sailors was unlawful and reckless, contrary to characterizations that Iran's actions constituted "standard nautical practice."

Under international maritime law, the U.S. sailors and vessels' should have been granted "innocent passage," and should not have been subjected to seizure and detention.

By publishing photographs and video of the American sailors held at gunpoint and in detention, Iran violated Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention, which provides that "prisoners of war must at all times be protected... against insults and public curiosity."

Tehran must be held accountable for its pattern of increased aggression since the signing of the Iran nuclear deal. Otherwise, as recent events have demonstrated, Iran will only be further emboldened to act illegally and belligerently.

With Iran continuing to display blatant disregard for international law, UANI is releasing an updated version of its resource, "The Islamic Republic of Iran's Violation of Treaties and Multilateral Agreements."

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