UN rights officials "concerned" over violence in Iran

UN rights officials "concerned" over violence in IranGeneva - The United Nations' human rights chief said Friday she was concerned about arrests and the reported acts of violence by militia members in Iran following the disputed election result.

"The legal basis of the arrests that have been taking place, especially those of human rights defenders and political activists, is not clear," Navi Pillay said in a statement.

She said some detainees were denied access to lawyers and visitations from family members, while others had disappeared.

"I strongly urge the authorities to ensure that official and semi- official forces act strictly in accordance with the law," Pillay said.

At the same time, she "commended the largely peaceful and dignified conduct of the huge demonstrations that have been taking place in the Iranian capital, Tehran."

Meanwhile Philip Alston and Frank La Rue, the UN's special rapporteurs on extrajudicial executions and freedom of expression, along with three other rights experts, called on the Iranian government to "refrain from using excessive force and arbitrary detentions and to fully guarantee freedom of expression and assembly throughout the country."

La Rue said he was concerned about reports that access to online news services and social networking Internet sites have been limited or blocked since the election results were announced last week.(dpa)