UN denounces Iran crackdown on women

The United Nations said yesterday that it was concerned by reports of new efforts to track and punish Iranian women, some as young as 15, who refuse to wear the headscarf required under the country's Islamic law.

The UN Human Rights Office also expressed alarm about a draft bill on "Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab", which would impose tougher sentences on women appearing in public without the hijab.