January 13, 2025 — The Islamic Republic of Iran is intensifying its crackdown on human rights lawyers, specifically those defending protesters and victims of state violence. Recent arrests of five distinguished lawyers reflect the authorities’ aggressive tactics to silence independent voices and elude accountability for human rights violations. Hadi Ghaemi of the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) articulates, “The Iranian government has long weaponized the legal system to punish individuals who dare to defend justice.”
Lawyers face vague charges such as “propaganda against the state” and “publishing falsehoods,” leading to disbarment and imprisonment. This campaign aims to dismantle the independence of the legal profession and impede lawyers from defending fundamental rights. CHRI urges global leaders to denounce these attacks and demand the release of imprisoned lawyers, insisting on adherence to international legal obligations protecting legal professionals.
In an exclusive interview, Payam Derafshan, a prominent human rights lawyer, revealed the judicial manipulation by security groups in Iran. He explained how these groups, operating under various guises, illegally oversee politically sensitive cases while targeting the lawyers who pursue justice for victims of state abuses. “After the 2022 protests, judicial and security authorities formed groups in all provinces under different names,” Derafshan recounted, highlighting the systematic targeting of dissenters and advocates.
Derafshan’s own struggles showcase this reality; after advocating for a client who suffered eye injuries during protests, authorities retaliated against him. He noted how security investigators vilified his client and twisted his motivations into political dissent rather than legitimate legal defense. This intertwining of security and judicial roles eradicates any remaining independence within Iran’s legal system.
Under the repression heightened by the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, at least 66 lawyers faced arrest for defending protesters, and 11 are currently imprisoned. Tragically, at least three female lawyers have died under mysterious circumstances after release, emphasizing the perilous environment for those insisting on human rights.
The ongoing persecution of independent lawyers continues as more cases emerge against valiant advocates like Payam Derafshan. He was charged with “publishing falsehoods” and “insulting officials” for his relentless efforts in challenging military accountability. In recent weeks, other prominent lawyers like Behnam Nezadi and Mehdi Karimi Farsi have also faced harsh consequences for simply doing their jobs.
The plight of these lawyers underscores a broader strategy: the Iranian government is intent on obliterating any defense of justice. Dismissive towards accusations, authorities continue to imprison and prosecute lawyers while inundating them with fabricated charges. Hadi Ghaemi remarks, “Independent lawyers who defend the rights of Iran’s citizens are the backbone of a fair and just society.” They embody the integrity and resilience needed to oppose the encroaching darkness of state repression.
Iran has intensified its campaign against human rights lawyers, with numerous arrests occurring in the wake of protests. Authorities utilize vague charges to stifle dissent and evade accountability. Prominent lawyers like Payam Derafshan face persecution for defending victims of state violence. CHRI urges international action to address this ongoing repression and to uphold legal rights in Iran.
In conclusion, the crackdown on human rights lawyers in Iran symbolizes a larger trend of state repression and systemic judicial manipulation aimed at silencing dissent. As authorities exacerbate their attacks against legal advocates, the cry for justice grows louder, calling for global solidarity and action to defend the rights of those who brave the risks of standing up for humanity.
Iranian authorities have long sought to undermine human rights and suppress dissent, increasingly targeting those who defend fundamental freedoms, particularly human rights lawyers. The situation intensified following the widespread protests in 2022, sparking a broader crackdown on legal professionals who challenge the state’s abusive practices. This escalation highlights the importance of support from the international community in condemning such violations and safeguarding legal independence within Iran.
Original Source: iranhumanrights.org
