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Iran hard-liners slam European ‘meddling’ in execution case

Iran's staunchest loyalists are expressing rage at European states that have condemned the execution of Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari.
This picture taken on March 14, 2020 shows a general view of Hafte Tir square in Iran's capital Tehran. (Photo by STRINGER / AFP) (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

European statements in condemnation of Iran’s execution of 27-year-old wrestler Navid Afkari have been met with a barrage of fire from the country’s hard-liners who typically view such criticism as interference in the Islamic Republic’s affairs.

Javan, the ultraconservative daily affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), took particular aim at Hans-Udo Muzel, Germany’s ambassador in Tehran, after the latter posted a chain of tweets in Persian, relaying his government’s message against the Islamic Republic’s “attempt to silence opposing voices.”

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