Iran Withdrawing Bid for Seat on UN Human Rights Council?

United Nations diplomats and human rights observers are telling journalists, including Reuters and Laura Rozen of Politico, that Iran will withdraw its candidacy for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council before the 13 May vote.

Iran's attempt, coming amidst the continuing post-election crisis and allegations of abuses of justice and rights by the regime, faced a rising tide of opposition. This week, 12 prominent Iranian human rights activists had written an open letter declaring:

The Latest from Iran (23 April): Rounding Up the News

The election of Iran to the Human Rights Council would seriously jeopardize the legitimacy of the Human Rights Council, and undermine the efforts of Iranian human rights defenders.  It would belittle the sacrifices of those who have given their lives for the cause of human rights.