UN Committee Criticizes Iranian Rights Violations

Iran was criticized for its frequent use of the death penalty, among other things.

The UN General Assembly's human rights committee is criticizing Iran for serious rights violations, including torture, frequent use of the death penalty, and widespread restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression.

The committee passed a resolution on November 19 in New York urging Iran's new government, led by President Hassan Rohani, to address the ongoing human rights violations.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 83-36 with 62 abstentions.

The resolution was sponsored by Canada, which broke diplomatic relations with Iran in September 2012.

Iran's UN Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee accused Canada of brushing off "Iran's enormous advancement" and presenting a resolution "devoid of facts."

The 193-member General Assembly is expected to give final approval to the resolution next month.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP