Iran News Update

Yesterday, along with other UN Mandate Holders, I issued a press statement expressing grave concern over the escalating attacks on the right to legal defence in Iran and the growing pressure exerted on lawyers who are simply carrying out their professional duties. Between September 2025 and September 2026, at least 135 lawyers reportedly faced judicial or security measures, while at least 23 were reportedly arrested following the January 2026 protests. Lawyers have faced intimidation, harassment, prosecution and other forms of retaliation merely for representing clients, defending human rights and fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Such practices constitute a serious assault on the independence of the legal profession and undermine the very foundations of the rule of law. We are also concerned about human rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi, who was arrested after appearing before the Isfahan Revolutionary Court for his clients, and has remained in detention since then with concerning reports regarding his health. No lawyer should face threats, punishment or persecution for doing their job. The ability to provide legal representation, defend individuals and challenge unlawful conduct is not a privilege: it is an essential safeguard of justice and a fundamental component of the right to a fair trial. Iran must immediately end the persecution and intimidation of lawyers, safeguard the independence of the legal profession and bar associations,, and uphold its international human rights obligations. The right to legal defence must be protected, not punished. Read our statement: ohchr.org/en/press-releases/…