Iran Denounces Protest At Herat Consulate

The Iranian Consulate in Herat has been the scene of several violent demonstrations in recent years. (file photo)

Iran has denounced a protest outside its consulate in Herat, Afghanistan, where one person was reportedly killed on September 7.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA quoted foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham as saying on September 8 that "police and security forces should have been at the scene quickly to prevent the illegal gathering, the damaging of the mission, and disruption of the staff's work."

Afghan police said that hundreds of people gathered outside the Iranian consulate in Herat city on September 7 to protest visa delays and that the protesters subsequently tried to storm the consulate.

Police tried to stop them, but they attacked the police throwing stones.

The protesters accused consulate officials of seeking bribes and delaying visas.

The protest ended when Afghan security forces dispersed the demonstrators.


Based on reporting by AFP and IRNA