The European Union gave Iran a tough rebuke over the...

The European Union gave Iran a tough rebuke over the Islamic republic's human rights record, saying it was "gravely concerned" at widespread abuses despite several rounds of talks with Tehran.
"The European Union continues to be gravely concerned at the continued and numerous violations of human rights in Iran," said a statement issued by Ireland, the current holder of the EU presidency.
"These include unequal rights for women; the use of torture in prisons and other places of detention, and a culture of impunity for perpetrators," said the statement released by the Irish embassy here.
It also pointed to "the lack of an independent judiciary, the use of the death penalty, as well as reports of the continued use of amputations and other cruel punishments; a continuing campaign against journalists and others who seek to exercise their freedom of opinion and expression, a flawed electoral process which impedes the democratic choice of the Iranian people, and discrimination on religious grounds."