The Fate of Independent Lawyers in Iran – Part 1

1. Introduction

While the legal profession is respected in many parts of the world for its role in defending human rights and ensuring justice, in Iran under the rule of the mullahs, lawyers have become one of the most vulnerable professional groups. The structural and deliberate repression of independent lawyers—especially those who defend protesters and political prisoners—represents a flagrant violation of the principles of fair trial and reveals a profound legal crisis within the country.

2. Historical Background: From Monarchical Censorship to Theocratic Repression

Lawyers in Iran have long stood at the intersection of justice and resistance, from the Constitutional Revolution to the final years of the Pahlavi monarchy. During Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign, despite the nominal independence of the Bar Association, many courageous lawyers faced pressure from SAVAK and other security institutions. Those who defended political prisoners were subjected to restrictions, arrests, or exile.

One emblematic figure of that era was Dr. Kazem Rajavi, a distinguished jurist, professor at the University of Geneva, and one of the most active Iranian human rights advocates. For years, he exposed human rights violations by the Iranian regime in the United Nations and other international bodies. On April 24, 1990, he was assassinated in Switzerland by agents of the Iranian regime’s Ministry of Intelligence. His unresolved case remains a symbol of international impunity for crimes against Iranian lawyers.

Following the 1979 revolution, repression against the legal profession not only continued but intensified. The independence of the Iranian Bar Association was abolished, board members were arrested, and hundreds of lawyers were disbarred or imprisoned on political grounds.

3. Documented and Unbiased Account

According to documented data collected since 2017, dozens of lawyers in Iran have been subjected to security and judicial persecution. These measures include arrest, harsh prison sentences, disbarment, threats, and even targeted killings.

Summary Statistics:

• At least 20 lawyers have been killed or died as a result of state pressure.
• Over 60 lawyers have been imprisoned for political reasons.
• 15 lawyers have been permanently or temporarily disbarred.
• At least 30 lawyers have been victims of attempted murder, assault, or direct threats.

4. Table of Victimized Lawyers

5. Legal Analysis

The treatment of these lawyers constitutes a violation of several articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):

• Article 9: Protection from arbitrary arrest
• Article 14: Right to a fair and independent trial
• Article 19: Freedom of expression

Additionally, the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990) assert that lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties independently and without intimidation, hindrance, harassment, or improper interference. The ruling regime in Iran is in clear violation of these principles.

6. Human and Social Impact

The consequences of repression are not limited to the affected lawyers. Their families, clients, and public trust in the legal system also suffer. In the absence of independent legal representation, many citizens either forgo seeking justice or are forced to submit to state injustice.

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

While the world recognizes a day for “Lawyers in Danger,” in Iran this status has become chronic and institutionalized. We call on the international community—including the UN Human Rights Council, the International Bar Association, and independent human rights organizations—to:

• Demand the immediate release of imprisoned lawyers.
• Establish international legal monitoring mechanisms on the situation of lawyers in Iran.
• Enforce targeted sanctions against judicial and security officials responsible for the repression.

Independent legal practice is the backbone of justice. Its elimination marks the collapse of justice itself.

Note: This report is the first in a three-part series on the repression of independent lawyers in Iran. Future reports will delve into illegal judicial processes, key legal cases, and domestic and international responses to the crisis.