ambassador at large for global criminal justice, beth van schaack. thank you so much for your time. u for covering this issue. ♪ geoff: today, france's foreign minister said three french detainees being held by iran face conditions that fall within the definition of torture. human rights groups have long decried how iran treats its prisoners. an opposition group recently said iran executed 1,000 people last year. that's the highest number in the country's modern history. nick schifrin and "news hour" producers spoke to protesters inside iran, especially female demonstrators who have paid a heavy price in and out of jail, but remain undaunted. nick: it was a moment when hope was contagious, and tehran students sang a song for freedom, among them, a woman we're calling maryam to protect her identity. >> our women have gained more courage and boldness to demand for their rights and their right to control their bodies against the system of the islamic republic that is patriarchal and anti-women. nick: maryam is an unlikely protester. her father is a retired officer in the regime's islami