UANI Statement on MTN's Evasion of U.S. Sanctions and Investigation of MTN for Bribery and Corruption in Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2012
Contact: Nathan Carleton, [email protected]
Phone: (212) 554-3296

UANI Statement on MTN's Evasion of U.S. Sanctions and Investigation of MTN for Bribery and Corruption in Iran

New York, NY -  United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, issued the following statement Tuesday following reports that MTN evaded U.S. sanctions in order to send sophisticated American computer equipment to Iran, and is being investigated by its own government for bribery and corruption in Iran -- where MTN allegedly promised the Iranian regime that South Africa would vote against sanctioning Iran's nuclear program:

MTN's partnership with the Iranian regime stands out as one of the most irresponsible and dangerous corporate relationships in the world. Continuing the partnership damages MTN's reputation, betrays the values of its employees and shareholders, and helps the regime brutally oppress the Iranian people.  

At this point, we know that MTN Irancell is a partnership between MTN and the Iranian regime, and that MTN has carried out orders from the regime to shut off text messaging and Skype during times of political protest. MTN also reportedly has a floor in its Tehran headquarters controlled by Iranian security officials, violates U.S. sanctions in order to provide the regime with sophisticated American computer equipment, and has even lobbied the South African government on behalf of the regime.

MTN will never be considered a responsible and sound corporation until it ends its reckless partnership with one of the world's most brutal regimes. We again call on MTN to immediately end all of its Iran business activities and show the world it is willing to put principle and reputation above profit. We call on U.S. lawmakers and the Department of Commerce to investigate MTN for violations of U.S. export law and sanctions.

UANI launched its MTN campaign in January, and has run online and Facebook advertisements highlighting MTN's work in Iran. MTN Irancell is the second-largest mobile phone network operator in Iran, and the majority of its shares are owned by the Iranian regime, which has exploited MTN's network and technology to monitor and track the activities and communications of peaceful dissidents.

In April, a South African publication reported disturbing details of MTN's work in Iran, including accounts of a floor in MTN Irancell's headquarters that is controlled by Iranian security officials who compile tracking data on Iranian citizens. The report, and others like it, completely contradicts MTN's previous claims to UANI that it adheres to U.N. human rights policies and is "a liberating force" for Iranian citizens.  

Click here to read UANI's February 29 letter to MTN.
Click here to read UANI's January 25 letter to MTN.
Click here and here to see UANI's MTN advertisements.
Click here to send a message to MTN.

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