TEHRAN – The Iranian photographer behind the photo from last year’s protests in Tehran has given a statement denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump’s use of her photo in his Monday tweet.

The photographer, Yalda Moayeri, in a post on her Instagram account on Tuesday said, “It would be a great honor for me if this image would be a symbol of freedom everywhere in the world.”

“But having President Trump use it without my permission in a tweet in Persian even is a great shame for me and causes me deep sorrow,” she added.

Moayeri criticized Trump’s sanctions and travel ban against Iranians, saying her photo should not be “abused” by such men in Washington.

MH/PA