Iran violations may amount to crimes against humanity -UN expert

Iran's authorities have committed violations in recent months that may amount to crimes against humanity, a U.N.-appointed expert told the Human Rights Council on Monday, citing cases of murder, imprisonment, enforced disappearances, torture, rape, sexual violence and persecution.

Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, told the U.N. body that the scale and gravity of crimes "points to the possible commission of international crimes, notably the crimes against humanity", before listing them.

Iran's envoy to the Geneva-based council said the allegations were imaginary and Iran was being singled out and targeted in the council.