Iran admits prisoners were beaten to death

Iran’s judiciary has acknowledged that at least three prisoners detained after the disputed presidential election died as a result of physical beatings by their jailers.

The statement made the rare acknowledgement that prisoners died of “abnormal treatment and physical beatings” in the turmoil following elections.

Today’s statement said indictments have been issued against 12 officials in charge of Kahrizak prison. Three were charged with premeditated murder.

While Iran’s opposition leaders have claimed that prisoners were tortured and raped while in custody, police officials rejected the claims, saying the deaths were due to illness.

The opposition says at least 72 were killed following the election, while the government says only 30 died.