There have been allegations made in Iran that political protesters have been raped in prison.

A defeated opposition candidate in Iran's presidential election, Mehdi Karroubi, has called on former president Rafsanjani to contact the Supreme Leader on the matter.

Mr Karroubi said senior officials had informed him of the alleged male and female rape.

He said some of the victims had suffered serious injuries, with detained girls brutally assaulted and young men now suffering depression.

About 200 people who were arrested during mass protests sparked by June's disputed election are still being detained.

On Thursday, police confirmed serious violations had taken place at the Kahrizak detention centre, which has now been closed.

Most of those arrested at the protests were sent to Kahrizak.