UANI Condemns Iranian Regime's Holocaust Cartoon Contest

Anti-Semitic contest underscores that nature of the Iranian regime remains fundamentally unchanged in the aftermath of the nuclear deal

"This weekend marks the third year the Iranian regime will provide a platform that endorses anti-Semitism, genocide, bigotry, and racism.

As companies consider the risks of doing business in Iran, the regime's support for hateful events like the Holocaust Cartoon Contest are important reminders of Tehran's long record of support for anti-Semitism and disdain for human rights. For those looking for signs of moderation from Iran, this contest is a cold slap of reality.

Contrary to Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's denials, it is no secret that organizations with direct ties to the Iranian government are orchestrating this event, which serves no purpose but to insult the memories of the millions of victims of the Holocaust and to promote Holocaust denial. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum revealed that event organizers Owj Media and Sarcheshmeh Cultural Complex are funded by government entities such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian parliament, and the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

Foreign Minister Zarif's accusations of a double standard on free speech by Western countries is a weak and intellectually dishonest attempt to shift the focus away from the Islamic Republic's continued abhorrent behavior. Over the years, we have seen the Iranian regime silence its detractors who fail to toe the regime line, yet events like the Holocaust Cartoon Contest are allowed to operate freely and spread hateful messages.

Given Iran's continued calls for Israel's destruction, it is abundantly clear to the global community that the fundamental nature of the Iranian regime has not changed. Governments, companies, and individual investors risk damage to their reputation in betting on Tehran, and unless and until these hateful events are discontinued, they have good cause to continue to stay away."

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