An Iranian American activist who obtained an advance copy of the United Nations high commissioner on human rights’ statement about Iran is outraged, saying her planned remarks at a big meeting next week “fall well short” of conditions on the ground.
Trita Parsi, head of the Washington-based National Iranian American Council, said the U.N.’s top human rights montor, Navanethem Pillay (pictured at right), plans to give Iranian authorities a pass on their recent actions against dissidents and political protesters after Iran’s disputed June 12 presidential election.
Here’s Parsi’s preview of Pillay’s comments:
The recent elections in Iran and the subsequent protests over the result were a reminder of both the vitality of Iran’s civil society and political life, but also of the towering constraints that peaceful activism faces. I call on the government to release those detained for peaceful protest, to investigate reports of their ill-treatment, and to ensure respect for human rights.
Parsi said the South African’s statement includes “no mention of government-sponsored violence, repression, show trials, who is responsible for those ‘towering constraints.'”
He complains that Pillay plans… >>>