UN report decries ‘pattern’ of torture, abuse in Iranian prisons

GENEVA — Detainees in Iran appear to be systematically subjected to torture and abuse, including sexual violence, a UN report published Monday says, while also condemning the denial of medical treatment to prisoners.

“Consistent reports received suggest a pattern of physical or mental pressure applied upon prisoners to coerce confessions, some of which are broadcast,” the report says.

The report, which was drafted by Asma Jahangir, who was the top UN expert on the rights situation in Iran before dying of cardiac arrest at the age of 66 last month, is set to be debated before the UN Human Rights Council next week.

In the report, the leading Pakistani human rights advocate voices deep concern over the recent harsh crackdown on protests in Iran, with more than 20 people killed and at least 1,000 arrested in a matter of days at the turn of the year.

She says she was “dismayed at the reports quoting members of the judiciary (saying) the protesters will be awarded the harshest of punishments,” expressing concern over “the fate and conditions under which those arrested are being held.”

Jahangir also voiced alarm over the general conditions of detention in Iran.

Although she was never permitted to visit Iran, she said in recent months she had met with at least six people who had fled the country “who still bore marks of torture” suffered in detention.

— AFP