WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday expressed deep concern of the Iranian government's persecution of its citizens, as protests during the past 10 days have once again taken the streets in the Middle Eastern country.

"It has been made clear to the world that Iran denies its citizens the same fundamental rights it continues to applaud elsewhere in the Middle East," Clinton said, underlining the importance of fundamental rights, including to peaceful assembly and expression.

Clinton said Iranian security forces have beaten, detained, and - in at least three cases - killed peaceful protesters, as the regime's leaders have targeted human rights defenders and political activists.

In addition, the Secretary of State pointed out that authorities have recently rounded-up ex-government officials and their families; former members of parliament; clerics and their children; student leaders and their professors; as well as journalists and bloggers. 

As Iran's leaders also continue to persecute ethnic and religious minorities, Clinton added, saying they also continue to deny their citizens access to information by jamming satellite transmissions and blocking internet sites.   

"We are troubled by reports that, of the dozens of prisoners executed in 2011, most are ethnic minorities. At the same time, Baha'is and other religious minorities continue to be subjected to arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, harsh sentences, and unsafe prison conditions."

"The steady deterioration in human rights conditions in Iran has obliged the international community to speak out time and again," Clinton added, calling on Iran to free all political prisoners and persecuted minorities.

"Today, the United States sanctions two Iranian officials - in addition to the eight sanctioned by the President last fall - for perpetrating these abuses. The world will continue to watch and will hold accountable those responsible for these actions."  

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