Iranian lawyers face systemic persecution

25 Nov 2024News

Law Society raises alarm over harassment, arrests, and intimidation undermining justice and fair trials in Iran

The Law Society of England and Wales issued a stark warning about the systemic persecution of lawyers in Iran, citing an escalating disregard for the rule of law and justice system. The Society has partnered with prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Mohammad Moghimi to present these concerns to the United Nations during a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) pre-session in Geneva.

Legal Profession Under Threat

The Law Society's president, Richard Atkinson, outlined a grim picture of the dangers faced by Iranian lawyers: “We are deeply concerned that human rights and criminal defence lawyers in Iran are targeted and persecuted for defending their clients. Iranian lawyers face harassment, illegitimate prosecutions, unfair trials, and arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”

During the Woman, Life, Freedom protests of 2022, the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent extended to legal professionals. At least 66 lawyers were arrested for representing protestors advocating for women’s rights, with 11 imprisoned and others forced to flee the country. Notably, three female lawyers reportedly died under suspicious circumstances tied to these events.

Impact on Justice and Fair Trials

The Law Society condemned Iran’s use of its security apparatus to threaten lawyers and prevent them from fulfilling their professional duties. Richard Atkinson emphasised: “This is not justice, and the legal system is not working. The targeting of lawyers by the state interferes with the independence of the legal profession and integrity of the rule of law in Iran. The right to a fair trial is eroded, and access to justice is undermined.”

The systemic persecution has fostered a climate of fear, with lawyers accused of national security violations and subjected to illegitimate prosecutions.

Call for International Action

The Law Society urged the international community to take note of the evidence presented to the UN and to pressure Iran to end its campaign of intimidation against lawyers. Richard Atkinson stated: “We hope the UN recognises the climate of terror that lawyers face in Iran and uses this evidence to call for an end to the harassment of lawyers. Iran must comply with human rights norms and end its perpetual campaign of intimidation against lawyers.”

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

The UK’s dirty money reforms: from pledges to practice

David Lammy’s tough rhetoric on illicit finance revives long-standing pledges, but delivery, not words, will determine success

Birketts appoints Michael Conway as partner

Birketts has appointed Michael Conway as the first Intellectual Property Partner in its Bristol office growing its capabilities in trade marks and branding

Government consults on powered mobility device laws

The UK government seeks public input to modernise laws affecting powered mobility devices, ensuring safety and accessibility

AI in family law: risks and responsibilities

As clients increasingly rely on AI, family lawyers face rising risks, costs, and challenges to credibility

Mark Neale steps down from BSB

Mark Neale announces his retirement as Director General of the Bar Standards Board after six years of service and outlines forthcoming operational changes to enhance efficiency

High street law firms face challenges due to government proposals on client account interest

The Ministry of Justice's plans could significantly impact law firms, leading to increased legal fees and firm closures

Cox v HMRC: Upper Tribunal clarifies penalty suspension criteria

Taxpayers cannot rely on one-off errors to secure penalty suspension

Government unveils ambitious road safety strategy

The new road safety strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035

UK expected to see IPO revival

UK capital markets are set for a considerable revival in IPO activity due to extensive reforms

New plan enhances cyber security for public services

A new cyber action plan has been launched to improve online public services, ensuring they remain secure and resilient for users

Legal aid faces critical funding crisis

A Parliamentary report highlights urgent action needed from the government to ensure the future of legal aid

Williams and Owen challenge Natural Resources Wales embankment decision

High Court upholds flood authority's withdrawal from Tan Lan Embankment maintenance

Legal sector needs clarity on AI

The Law Society of England and Wales insists that clarity in existing regulations is essential for AI use in the legal sector to ensure professional standards and public trust

Vote for your most iconic trademark

The UK’s trade mark registry is asking for public input to declare the most iconic trade mark

Calls for urgent reform of spinal injury care

Two Bristol solicitors demand action to improve inadequate care for those with spinal injuries

SJ Interview: Joelle Grogan

Dr Joelle Grogan is a legal scholar specialising in the rule of law in times of crisis. She presents The Law Show on BBC Radio 4, and is Co-Academic Director of the Rule of Law Clinic at the CEU Democracy Institute (Budapest), and a Senior Research Fellow at the UCD Sutherland School of Law. Her work focuses on constitutional accountability, emergency powers, and legal misinformation. In this interview, she examines the pressures facing the rule of law in the UK, from executive power and court delays to media narratives, emergencies, and the impact of AI on legal practice.

Justice reform risks targeting the wrong fix

As 2026 approaches, ministers eye jury trials while ignoring deeper causes of England’s criminal justice crisis