With Iran and the US at a critical point in nuclear talks, the Supreme Leaders office has attacked on another front, accusing Washington of legalized killing and torture.
Ayatollah Khamaneis staff fired the volley on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, trying to link issues such as the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and women in American prisons:
Without naming President Obama, the office mocked him over his failed promise to close Guantanamo Bay, still holding uncharged detainees after 13 years:
So why the Twitter blast now? The final tweet in the series gave away the reason. The Supreme Leaders concern was to turn back pressure on Iran over its own human rights record, with repeated reports by the UN and international organizations criticizing the Islamic Republic over political prisoners, suppression of the press, bans on the Bahai religious community, restrictions on students, and executions:
Authorities Ban Meeting of Writers
Authorities suddenlycancelled a gatheringof the Iranian Writers Association on Friday.
The Association had scheduled a conference on the Age of Translation in a Tehran restaurant, but it was banned by officials an hour before it was opening.
Speakers and participated gathered in front of the closed doors and engaged in discussions.
In September, the Association held its first general meeting in 12 years.