In Iran “the human rights situation deteriorated, with civil society facing increasing restrictions on fundamental freedoms of expression and association”, Amnesty International said in its 2007 annual report.
“Two people were reportedly stoned to death. Sentences of flogging, amputation and eye-gouging continued to be passed”, the report said.
“At least 177 people were executed, at least four of whom were under 18 at the time of the alleged offence, including one who was under 18 at the time of execution. … The true numbers of those executed or subjected to corporal punishment were probably considerably higher than those reported.
“Scores of political prisoners, including prisoners of conscience, continued to serve prison sentences imposed following unfair trials in previous years. Thousands more arrests were made in 2006, mostly during or following demonstrations. Human rights defenders, including journalists, students and lawyers, were among those detained arbitrarily without access to family or legal representation.
“Torture, especially during periods of pre-trial detention, remained commonplace”, the report added.
