Iran deputies vote for legal access for suspects

Iran's reformist parliament passed a bill yesterday giving crime suspects access to a lawyer during all phases of investigation and interrogation. The parliament debate was broadcast live on state radio. The move comes in the wake of a crackdown by the hardline judiciary on reformist journalists and political activists.

Many jailed activists complain they are denied legal counsel during lengthy investigations and interrogations, some lasting for months. Iran's code of criminal procedure does not currently recognise the right of suspects to a lawyer until investigations have ended and case documents are ready for court hearings.

The judiciary, traditionally a stronghold of the far right, has been at loggerheads with the reformist parliament, which is allied with moderate President Mohammed Khatami. The measure must still be approved by the Guardian Council, a conservative body that vets legislative decisions, before it becomes law.