Iranian police close human rights offices

Iranian security forces have closed the offices in Tehran of the Circle for the Defenders of Human Rights, run by the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi.

Activists were told to evacuate the building but Ebadi’s supporters said no search warrent was produced and called the swoop illegal. Scores of plain-clothed and uniformed officers police were involved in the operation. The group was due to hold a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights.