Rights situation in Iran troubles U.N.

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 4 (UPI) -- Human rights experts reporting to the United Nations expressed concern over the "extremely harsh" sentences given to human rights defenders in Iran.

Human rights experts, led by Ahmed Shaheed, special envoy on human rights in Iran, expressed concern about the 6-year prison sentence give to rights advocate Nargess Mohammadi.

Mohammadi, who helped found a human rights center with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. Mohammadi, was charged with collusion against national security.

Two human rights lawyers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for allegedly issuing propaganda against the state.

"The conviction and extremely harsh sentencing of human rights defenders is an indication of mounting repression against the legitimate activities of human rights defenders and represents a serious setback for the protection of human rights in Iran," Shaheed said in a statement.

The condemnation came as Iranians head to a second round of voting for 65 members competing for seats in the 290-member Parliament.

Opponents of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are expected to secure victories in the election, though the BBC reports reformist candidates called on their supports to stay home. Members of the opposition Green Movement are under house arrest and ineligible to compete.