UN expert on the right to free expression postpones mission to Iran

The United Nations expert on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression today postponed his mission to Iran at the request of that country's government.

Ambeyi Ligabo, a Special Rapporteur with the UN Commission on Human Rights, had been scheduled to travel to Iran on Thursday for 10 days of meetings with senior government officials and magistrates. He was also scheduled to meet with representatives of the UN system, civil society, media and academics.

Mr. Ligabo gathers relevant information on discrimination, the use of violence and harassment directed at persons seeking to exercise the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

The Special Rapporteur and Iranian authorities are discussing rescheduling the visit for later this year.