U.S. Department of State ;Concern Over Human Rights Abuses in Iran

U.S. Department of State
Press Releases: Concern Over Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Wed, 18 May 2011 20:44:15 -0500
Concern Over Human Rights Abuses in Iran

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Acting Deputy SpokesmanWashington, DC

May 18, 2011
The United States is deeply concerned that Iran continues to deny its citizens and other persons within Iran their human rights. Judicial cases, trials, and sentences continue to proceed without transparency and the due process rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Iran’s own constitution. Just this week, two Iranian citizens – Abdollah and Mohammad Fathi – were executed amid serious questions about whether these prisoners were granted their rights. We are also troubled by reports that Kurdish activist Habibollah Latifi might soon be executed despite serious questions about the motives of the Iranian government and the charges against him.
The United States urges the Iranian government to halt these executions, to release its political prisoners, and to guarantee the full enjoyment of human rights to all persons in Iran in accordance with its international obligations and its constitution. We also urge Iran to follow through with its pledge to allow the new UN Special Rapporteur on Iran access to the country, as announced today by Mohammad Javad Larijani, the head of Iran’s High Council for Human Rights.
PRN: 2011/783
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/05/163792.htm