In a statement released today, ABA President Carolyn B. Lamm had this to say in regards to Iran's human rights policies:

"The American Bar Association, an independent, non-governmental organization committed to defending human rights and the rule of law in the United States and around the world, expresses its grave concern regarding the allegations of serious human rights abuses of certain Iranians and foreign nationals in Iran. In the wake of recent post-election violence, mass trials, alleged prisoner abuse, forced confessions, and reports of ongoing government abuses of human rights lawyers and advocates in Iran, we urge the Government, as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to fulfill its commitment to honor the rights to free speech and due process, and to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession to protect and defend these rights consistent with the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

Further, all governments, including the Government of Iran, in their handling of persons arrested or otherwise held in government custody, should respect international laws and protocols condemning the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, ensure due process and the application of the rule of law and grant international observers access to their prisons and judicial proceedings.”