UN Concerned About Jailed Iranian Women

The United Nations' high commissioner for human rights has expressed concern about the jailing in Iran of more than 30 women activists.

Louise Arbour said in a statement that the women had been exercising their right to peaceful assembly when they were detained in Tehran on March 4.

Eight of the detained women have since been released. Others have gone on hunger strikes.

Nima Namdari, the husband of jailed activist Nasrin Afzali, told Radio Farda that some detainees who are on a hunger strike are now experiencing health problems at Evin Prison in Tehran.

"My wife told me that because of the hunger strike, some of those who are held in section 209 [of Evin Prison] are not in a suitable health condition," Namdari said. "Some of the elder women are having difficulties."

The jailed women also reportedly have been interrogated about their work as activisits for human rights.

Radio Farda reports that six more of the detained women protesters were expected to be released later today.

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