In a startling escalation, the Iranian regime has targeted 16 lawyers in Mashhad, accusing them of politically motivated charges for advocating rights and criticising government actions. The Centre for Human Rights in Iran highlights this as part of a broader crackdown aimed at quelling dissenters and delegitimising those who defend legal rights, as the country’s legal landscape grows increasingly perilous. Esfandiar Aban, a CHRI senior researcher, emphasised the critical role these lawyers play in safeguarding the rights of the unjustly detained, underlining the authorities’ resolve to silence independent counsel.
On February 3, 2025, Mashhad’s prosecutor’s office formally charged the lawyers with “propaganda against the state” based on their social media posts. Despite the previous dismissal of their case, this indictment is emblematic of the regime’s hostile stance toward legal defenders, revealed by the interrogation of 18 lawyers, leading to the formal charges against 16. Similar confrontations have emerged in Yazd, where 20 lawyers faced intimidation and potential prosecution.
Iranian authorities have charged 16 lawyers with ‘propaganda against the state’ for defending protesters and voicing criticism on social media, marking a significant crackdown on legal defenders. With past instances of legal repercussions for defending rights, this situation highlights an alarming trend of judicial oppression. Human rights advocates are urging international condemnation and intervention in response to the systematic attacks on independent legal professionals.
The relentless pursuit of 16 lawyers in Iran exemplifies the government’s escalating tactics to stifle dissent and judicial independence. With increasing pressure on legal professionals, the integrity of legal defence stands threatened, raising alarms amongst rights advocates. A call has been issued for global entities to vocally denounce these actions, pressing for the release of imprisoned lawyers and adherence to international legal obligations. The intertwining of state apparatus with judicial functions reveals a significant threat to justice and personal freedoms in Iran.
Original Source: iranhumanrights.org
