Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 23rd Jan. UN human rights experts on Monday hailed lawyers in Iran over their “courageous commitment to the rule of law” and efforts to practice their profession despite “enormous obstacles and pressures”.
Special Rapporteurs on Iran and the issue of judicial independence in a statement issued on Monday called on Tehran to fully protect the country’s legal professionals ahead of the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer marked on 24 January.
The experts said that “Women, Life, Freedom” protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, Iranian authorities arrested thousands, subjected them to deplorable conditions and even death penalty charges.
They noted that despite the risks, many Iranian lawyers attempted to provide legal support to the protesters, and faced intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and being disbarred.
“Lawyers in Iran have risen to the challenge and have suffered the consequences,” the experts declared.
The experts underscored that Iranian lawyers often operate in peril due to restrictions that violate international standards for the free and independent exercise of the legal profession and the right to a fair trial. The Bar Association, one of Iran’s oldest professional organizations, has been targeted by the Government through structural changes and investigations.
Rights experts urged Iran to implement measures to ensure lawyers can fulfill their vital role without the threat of prosecution for legitimate professional activities.
They emphasized the impact on the right to a fair trial for all Iranians.
