A/HRC/16/75 concern that these trials did not meet due process and fair trial requirements. She requested the opportunity for independent observers to monitor this and other high-profile grounds, a request rejected by the Iranian authorities. Although the seven were charged with acting against national security, espionage and spreading corruption, the High Commissioner expressed concern that the charges brought against them appeared to constitute a violation of the State’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular freedom of religion and belief, and freedom of expression and association. Reports also continued to be received about Christians, in particular converts, being subjected to arbitrary arrest and harassment. 26. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, after considering the eighteenth and nineteenth periodic reports of the Islamic Republic of Iran37 in August 2010, expressed concern at the limited enjoyment of political, economic, social and cultural rights by, inter alia, Arabs, Azeri, Baloch, Kurdish communities and some communities of noncitizens, in particular with regard to housing, education, freedom of expression and religion, and health and employment, despite the economic growth in the country. The Committee drew particular attention to reports regarding the application of the “gozinesh” criterion, a selection procedure that requires prospective State officials and employees to demonstrate their allegiance to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State religion, and expressed concern that it may limit employment opportunities and political participation for members of the Arab, Azeri, Baloch, Jewish, Armenian and Kurdish communities. 27. Members of the Kurdish community have continued to be executed on various national security-related charges, including Mohareb. At least nine Kurdish political prisoners, including Jafar Kazemi, Mohammad Ali Haj Aghaie and Ali Saremi, have been executed since January 2010, and several others remain at risk of execution. G. Freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of opinion and expression 28. In his report submitted to the Human Rights Council in June 2010,38 the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression drew attention to a large number of communications he had sent to the Iranian authorities concerning serious allegations of restrictions imposed on the rights to freedom of opinion and expression (see annex). Between January 2009 and February 2010, the Special Rapporteur sent 22 joint communications and one individually. Serious concerns were expressed regarding the situation of journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders and persons who express views critical of the Government. The Special Rapporteur noted with concern that the continued detention of individuals might be related to their work as human rights defenders and for exercising their right to freedom of expression. 29. Persistent reports of curbs on the media, which has affected print media, weblogs and websites, were received during the period under review. Journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders and lawyers continue to be arrested or subjected to travel bans, and reports continued to be received of restrictions on media weblogs and websites. For instance, on 22 November 2010, Iranian media sources reported that Chelcheragh, a reformist weekly, had been allegedly banned for publishing articles contradictory to public morals.39 In an addendum to his report submitted to the Human Right Council in June 2010,40 the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, noted that more than 10 national dailies, including Kalamah Sabz, Etemad-e 37 38 39 40 10 CERD/C/IRN/CO/18-19. A/HRC/14/23. http://isna.ir/isna/newsview.aspx?id=news-1660287. A/HRC/14/23/Add.1.