Germany doesn’t want Iran in UN human rights body

AP: Germany's foreign minister says countries should vote against Iran when it seeks a seat later this year on the United Nations' Human Rights Council. The Associated Press

GENEVA (AP) — Germany's foreign minister says countries should vote against Iran when it seeks a seat later this year on the United Nations' Human Rights Council.

Guido Westerwelle says having Iran in the 47-nation body would be an "affront" to human rights.

Westerwelle told the council Wednesday that Iran was undeserving because it has violated many of its citizens' human rights, including during a postelection crackdown on protesters last year.

Iran is expected to run for a seat when countries vote for new members in May.

Iran was heavily criticized last month at the council's first review of how it upholds human rights.