Top UN rights body makes 1st review of Iran; US criticizes free speech limits, arrests
By APMonday, February 15, 2010
Top UN rights body makes 1st review of Iran
GENEVA — The U.N. Human Rights Council has begun its first review of Iran’s rights record since the body was founded in 2006.
Western countries have lined up to criticize abuses in Iran while the country’s allies, including Cuba, Venezuela and Nicarague, plan to defend Tehran’s human rights record.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Michael H. Posner says Iran should lift restrictions on free speech, end prisoner torture and stop show trials of political dissident.
France called on Iran to accept an international investigation into violence following last year’s disputed elections.
The head of Iran’s delegation, Mohammad Javad Larijani, insisted Monday that the country “has taken a genuine and long-term approach to safeguarding human rights.”
www.un.org/webcast/unhrc/
