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<DIV><SPAN class=812311107-21122004><FONT size=2>FYI.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
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<P class=rddateline><FONT size=1>Monday, December 20, 2004 · Last updated 7:06
p.m. PT</FONT></P>
<P class=rdheadline><STRONG><FONT size=4>U.N. condemns Iran human rights
violations</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P class=rdbyline><FONT size=1>By EDITH M. LEDERER<BR>ASSOCIATED PRESS
WRITER</FONT></P><!--BEGIN ARTICLE-->
<P>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.</P>
<P>The measure, which is not legally binding but reflects global opinion, was
approved 71-54 with 55 abstentions.</P>
<P>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."</P>
<P>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.</P>
<P>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.</P>
<P>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.</P>
<P>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.</P>
<P>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.</P>
<P>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.</P>
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