Iran temporarily blocks reproach of its rights record at UN forum
GENEVA — Iran has temporarily blocked Norway, the United States and more than 50 other nations from pressuring Tehran to make good on its pledge to improve human rights in the country.
At the U.N. Human Rights Council, Iran used a procedural manoeuvr Tuesday to stop Norway from reading aloud a statement backed by 55 nations.
The statement says Iran discriminates against minorities and fails to safeguard freedom of expression and assembly a year after the June 12, 2009, re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted widespread arrests and bloody crackdowns against dissidents.
&Rights groups also complain Iran hasn't allowed U.N. investigators to visit in recent years and isn't fulfilling its obligations under international treaties.