TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The Iranian military published a 28-page report Monday highly critical of the human rights situation in the United States.
Iranian military leaders were on hand for a ceremony held Monday in Tehran for the publication of the report on U.S. human rights issues. The report is broad, highlighting Internet privacy concerns stemming from the controversy surrounding whistle blower Edward Snowden to the acquittal of neighborhood watchmen George Zimmerman in the 2012 shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.
The report, backed by the so-called Basij force, said the U.S. government is "one of the main violators of human rights."
Ahmed Esfandiyari, a lieutenant commander of the force, was quoted by the semi-official Fars News Agency as saying similar reports on the human rights situation in the United States and other Western countries would be released on a quarterly basis.
In terms of Iran's record, Esfandiyari said human rights issues are at the foundation of Iranian principles. The commander was quoted by Fars as saying Iran's emphasis on human rights was "extensive."
Iran has been criticized by its rivals for having a poor human rights record, most recently for its use of capital punishment.
