UN Authority Figures

UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law Advisory Committee: Iran

"...hangings of an 18-year-old and 16-year-old on charges of involvement in homosexual acts..." Iran Focus, July 23, 2005

Mission of the UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law: "...To contribute to a better knowledge of international law 'as a means for strengthening international peace and security and promoting friendly relations and co-operation among States.'" (Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law web-site, "Introduction")

Term of office: 2004-2007

Iran's Record on International Law:
"Trials in the revolutionary courts were notorious for their disregard of international standards of fairness. Revolutionary court judges were chosen in part due to their ideological commitment to the system. Pretrial detention often was prolonged, and defendants lacked access to attorneys. Authorities often charged individuals with relatively undefined crimes, such as "anti-revolutionary behavior," "moral corruption," and "siding with global arrogance." Defendants did not have the right to confront their accusers. Secret or summary trials of five minutes' duration occurred frequently. Other trials were deliberately designed to publicize a coerced confession..." (US State Department's Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006, Iran)

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