Human Rights Watch and the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran urged the United Nations General Assembly on Monday to appoint a special envoy to investigate abuses in Iran following June's disputed presidential elections.
At a news conference near U.N. headquarters, the groups said about 400 prisoners remained in custody for their suspected involvement in protests which erupted after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was named the winner. They added that as many as 72 Iranians have been killed by government forces since the election, and several have been tortured and sexually abused.
Several groups are preparing to protest Ahmadinejad's appearance before the General Assembly on Wednesday. There is also opposition to Iran's nuclear development program and the Iranian president's threats to wipe Israel off the map.