US Welcomes UN Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Iran

Robert Palladino, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, welcomed the adoption of a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran by the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, December 18. According to the Persian page of the US State Department, Palladino stated in his press conference regarding the human rights situation in Iran: "The United States welcomes the recent statements issued by France and the European Parliament, and the resolution proposed by Canada at the United Nations, which was accepted by a majority vote, drawing the world's attention once again to the regime's disgusting human rights record in Iran." He added, "These statements reflect the deep concern of the international community regarding the daily violations of human rights of Iranian citizens." The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on human rights violations in Iran yesterday with 84 votes in favor, 30 against, and 67 abstentions. The Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department also called for an investigation into the "brutal death" of Vahid Sayadi Nasiri. Reports indicate that Vahid Sayadi Nasiri, a political activist who went on a hunger strike in protest of his situation, died in prison last week. Palladino further demanded clarification on the cases of all those who have died in prison. He also called for the "immediate and unconditional release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and all those who have been arbitrarily detained and are currently suffering in Iranian prisons, such as Farhad Meythami." Farhad Meythami, a civil activist and women's rights defender, was arrested on July 30. The charges against him include "conspiracy and assembly with the intent to disrupt national security," "propaganda against the regime," and "insulting the hijab," all primarily due to his support for a civil campaign against compulsory hijab. His lawyer emphasizes that Meythami has committed no crime and is merely a civil activist. Meanwhile, Mohammad Moqimi, Meythami's lawyer, states that his client's health is "very critical" due to the hunger strike. According to Khabar Online, Moqimi said on Tuesday about the latest status of his client's case: "I met with Farhad Meythami in prison today. My client's physical condition due to the hunger strike is very critical and complicated, to the extent that he moves around in a wheelchair."