US says Iran human rights record "degenerated"

Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come.

clipped from news.yahoo.com WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States charged Thursday that Iran's already poor human rights record had "degenerated" in 2009, particularly with a security crackdown after disputed presidential elections. The sharp criticism of Iran, contained in an annual State Department report on human rights abuses worldwide, comes as the Obama administration pushes for tougher sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear ambitions. "The government's poor human rights record degenerated during the year, particularly after the disputed June presidential elections," the State Department said. Dozens, if not scores were killed, and at least 4,000 individuals had been detained by August, it said. It also referred to the Iranian government's crackdown on new media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. "The government continued to restrict freedom of religion severely, particularly against Bahais and, increasingly, Christians," it added.

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