The UN rights investigator on Iran has hailed “some limited improvements” in the country since the 2013 election of President Hassan Rohani but warned “the overall situation has worsened.”

The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, spoke to reporters in Geneva on March 16 before presenting his latest report on the human rights situation in Iran to the UN Human Rights Council.

He said more than 200 people have been executed in Iran so far this year after 753 known executions last year, which was the highest annual figure since 2002.

Shaheed said Iran has also introduced a number of laws putting pressure on dissidents, rights activists, and journalists.

But the UN expert expressed hope a possible resolution of Iran’s nuclear dispute with the international community will improve the human rights situation.

Reuters, AFP, and AP