U.S. Says Iranian Women's Arrests Part Of 'Alarming' Pattern

Iran has faced frequent complaints about its official treatment of women (AFP) March 9, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- The United States says it is "deeply" concerned by reports that Iranian authorities attacked peaceful women's rights protesters at a gathering to mark International Women's Day, Radio Farda reported.

The U.S. State Department said March 8 actions by the Iranian regime highlighted an "alarming" trend of intolerance toward the expression of independent views by the Iranian people.

One of the organizers of the Tehran demonstration told Radio Farda that several people were injured during the clashes.

The clashes followed the arrests on March 4 of more than 30 women protesters who had gathered outside a court trying other activists over a previous peaceful rally against discriminatory laws.

All but three of those arrested on March 4 have since been freed.

Several human rights organizations have condemned the arrests and called on Iran to release the three women still detained.