The Centre for Human Rights in Iran reported a crackdown on human rights lawyers, linking it to state repression following the 2022 protests. Five lawyers were arrested within a month, facing vague charges aimed at silencing them. CHRI calls for international condemnation and support for the lawyers, emphasizing their importance in upholding justice in society.
A recent press release from the Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) indicates a significant escalation in the Iranian government’s repression of human rights lawyers and other dissenters. Over the past month, five notable lawyers have been arrested and sentenced amid a broader government strategy of intimidation and legal prosecution. The CHRI highlights that following the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, the Iranian authorities have intensified their persecution of those defending victims of state violence, often employing ambiguous charges, such as ‘propaganda against the state’ and ‘publishing falsehoods’, to incapacitate legal professionals who expose judicial corruption.
Among the targeted lawyers is Payam Derafshan, who faces unfounded charges related to his advocacy work. Other lawyers, including Behnam Nezadi, Mehdi Karimi Farsi, Khosrow Alikordi, and Farid Nikpay, have received sentences that include imprisonment and professional restrictions. The CHRI urgently calls upon the United Nations and other governments to denounce Iran’s actions against human rights attorneys, advocating for their immediate release and the annulment of all charges.
Hadi Ghaemi, the executive director of CHRI, emphasized the importance of the international community voicing its concerns regarding the unlawful treatment of those advocating for justice. He stated: “Independent lawyers who defend the rights of Iran’s citizens are the backbone of a fair and just society, and their persecution is a grave indication of the deepening repression in Iran.” This statement underscores the crucial role of legal professionals in advocating for human dignity in the face of government overreach.
Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024 corroborates these findings, illustrating the Iranian regime’s systematic repression, including restrictions on freedoms of assembly and expression. The report indicates that activists, journalists, and artists face severe repercussions for opposing governmental policies or participating in protests. Universities have experienced increased clampdowns on faculty and students, revealing a pervasive culture of intimidation.
Additionally, the recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who had been detained in Iran for nearly three weeks, draws attention to the grave circumstances faced by foreign and domestic reporters. The Iranian government justified her detention by citing violations of its laws, further reflecting the ongoing persecution of those aiming to shed light on human rights abuses.
The data presented by CHRI sheds light on the alarming trend of repression against human rights advocates in Iran, particularly lawyers who confront state abuses. Following the significant protests in 2022, there has been a marked increase in the targeted harassment of legal professionals who seek to defend marginalized individuals and expose the Iranian judicial’s malpractices. This growing suppression not only undermines the rule of law but also violates international standards that protect the advocacy and independence of legal practitioners.
The Iranian government’s escalating crackdown on human rights lawyers illustrates a troubling disregard for legal protections and freedoms. With increasing arrests and persecution of legal professionals, the international community is urged to take a stand to halt these violations. As articulated by Hadi Ghaemi of CHRI, such actions threaten the foundational principles of justice and accountability, calling for decisive responses from global actors to support those fighting for human rights in Iran.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
