UN condemns Iran human rights violations

UNITED NATIONS -- The U.N. General Assembly on Monday approved a U.S.-backed resolution criticizing Iran for human rights violations, citing new restrictions on freedom of expression and the persecution of political and religious dissenters.

The measure, which is not legally binding but reflects global opinion, was approved 71-54 with 55 abstentions.

The world body said there is a "worsening situation" regarding freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of the media, "especially the increased persecution for the peaceful expression of political views, including arbitrary arrest and detention without charge or trial."

It cited "crackdowns by the judiciary and security forces against journalists, parliamentarians, students, clerics and academics; the unjustified closure of newspapers and blocking of Internet sites." It also criticized the disqualification of large numbers of candidates and harassment of opposition activists in the run-up to parliamentary elections in February.

On a positive note, the General Assembly welcomed the Iranian government's invitation to some human rights investigators, a recommendation by the head of the judiciary that judges not propose stoning as a punishment, and the judiciary chief's announcement in April of a ban on torture.

It urged Iran to abide by its human rights obligations and to fully implement the ban on torture, expedite judicial reform, eliminate religious discrimination, end cruel and degrading punishments such as amputation and flogging, eliminate stoning, and institute prison reforms.

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by 34 countries, deplored Iran's execution of children under the age of 18 in violation of international statutes.

It protested continued restrictions on free assembly and forcible dissolution of political parties, the absence of due process of law, and the use of national security laws to deny individual rights.

It cited "the systemic discrimination against women and girls in law and in practice, despite some minor legislative improvements," the continuing discrimination against Christians, Jews and Sunnis, and the increasing discrimination against the Bahais.