Call to End Persecution: Urgent Call to Iranian Authorities Regarding Lawyers

 

On International Day of the Endangered Lawyer, two UN experts urged Iran to stop persecuting lawyers, citing how they’ve upheld law/worked independently despite challenges. Since September 2022 protests, 66+ lawyers were arrested, reportedly to intimidate/stop representing protesters. 11 lawyers were sentenced, 47 await trial after provisional release.

Lawyers supporting protesters face issues like harassment, threats, and losing licences. The UN experts monitoring human rights/legal profession in Iran are concerned by this situation. They worry lawyers are receiving unfair treatment before/during trials, including longer detention, alleged mistreatment, lack of medical care — seemingly due to their work upholding rights.

The experts note Iranian lawyers must follow rules inconsistent with fair trial international standards. They urged Iranian leaders to take steps ensuring lawyers can work freely without retaliation. The experts stressed the importance of respecting lawyers’ duties, ethics, and safety standards to protect their rights. They called on Iran to address this situation facing the legal community.

In summary, UN experts raised alarms about lawyers facing persecution, especially for representing protesters, and urged Iranian authorities to better safeguard legal professionals’ freedoms and fair treatment.