Two Senior Judges Assassinated in Tehran Supreme Court Shooting
In a shocking act of violence, two prominent Iranian judges were assassinated on Saturday morning at the supreme court building in Tehran. The incident,described as a “planned act of assassination,” has sent ripples through Iran’s judiciary and raised questions about the security of high-profile figures in the country.
The two judges, identified as Ali Razini and Mohammad moghisseh,were reportedly shot by a gunman who infiltrated the court. According to the judiciary’s Mizan Online website, the assailant killed himself after the attack, which also left one other person wounded.
The Attack: A Planned Assassination
The judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, stated on state television that “a person armed with a handgun entered the room” of the two judges and opened fire. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, but mizan confirmed that the assailant was not involved in any cases before the supreme court.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences and urged authorities to act swiftly. “I strongly urge the security and law enforcement forces to take the necessary measures quickly by examining the dimensions and angles of this reprehensible act and to identify its perpetrators,” he said.
Who Were the victims?
Ali Razini,71,and Mohammad Moghisseh,68,were both seasoned judges with significant roles in Iran’s judiciary. Razini had previously survived a 1998 assassination attempt when assailants “planted a magnetic bomb in his vehicle,” according to Mizan.Moghisseh, on the other hand, was sanctioned by the US in 2019 for overseeing “countless unfair trials, during which charges went unsubstantiated and evidence was disregarded,” as reported by the US Treasury.
Both judges were known for handling cases involving “crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism,” making them key figures in Iran’s judicial system.
A Rare but Growing Trend
While attacks targeting judges are rare in Iran, the country has witnessed a series of shootings aimed at high-profile individuals in recent years.In October, a Shiite Muslim preacher was shot dead in the southern city of Kazerun after leading Friday prayers. Earlier, in April 2023, a powerful cleric, Abbas Ali soleimani, was killed in a bank shooting in the northern province of Mazandaran.
Investigation underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, with Jahangir confirming that “individuals have been identified, summoned, or arrested in connection with the incident.” However, no further details have been provided, leaving many questions unanswered.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, January 18, 2025 |
| Location | Supreme Court Building, Tehran |
| Victims | Ali Razini (71) and Mohammad Moghisseh (68) |
| Assailant | Gunman who killed himself after the attack |
| Motive | Unknown; assailant not linked to any cases before the court |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; individuals identified, summoned, or arrested |
Calls for Justice
The assassination has sparked calls for justice and heightened security measures. As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures in Iran.For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage and stay informed about the latest developments in this tragic event.
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This article is based on reports from AP News and BBC News.
Exclusive Interview: Unpacking the Assassination of Two Senior Judges in Tehran
In a shocking act of violence, two prominent iranian judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh, were assassinated at the supreme Court building in Tehran. The incident has raised critical questions about judicial security, the motives behind the attack, and the broader implications for Iran’s legal system.To delve deeper into this tragic event, we sat down with Dr. Farhad Rezaei, a leading expert on Iranian politics and security, to analyze the situation and its potential ramifications.
The Attack: A Planned assassination
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Rezaei, thank you for joining us. The attack on Judges Razini and Moghisseh has been described as a “planned assassination.” What are your thoughts on the nature of this attack?
Dr. Farhad Rezaei (FR): Thank you for having me. The attack appears to be highly calculated.The fact that the assailant was able to infiltrate the Supreme Court building, a heavily secured location, suggests a level of planning and insider knowledge. The use of a handgun and the assailant’s subsequent suicide indicate a mission with a clear objective: to eliminate these two judges.
SE: the judiciary spokesperson mentioned that the assailant was not involved in any cases before the Supreme Court.does this rule out a personal vendetta?
FR: Not necessarily. While the assailant may not have had a direct legal dispute with the court, the judges themselves were involved in high-profile cases, particularly those related to national security and terrorism.It’s possible that the attack was orchestrated by individuals or groups seeking retribution or to send a message to the judiciary.
Who Were the Victims?
SE: Judges Razini and Moghisseh were both seasoned figures in Iran’s judiciary. Can you elaborate on their roles and why they might have been targeted?
FR: Certainly. Ali Razini,71,and Mohammad Moghisseh,68,were not just ordinary judges; they were key figures in Iran’s judicial system. Razini had survived a previous assassination attempt in 1998, which speaks to his controversial role in handling sensitive cases. Moghisseh, on the other hand, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 for overseeing trials that were widely criticized as unfair. Both judges were involved in cases related to national security, espionage, and terrorism, which frequently enough put them at odds with various factions, both domestically and internationally.
SE: Given their controversial roles,do you think their assassination could have been politically motivated?
FR: It’s a strong possibility.Judges like Razini and Moghisseh often operate at the intersection of law and politics in Iran. Their decisions could have angered powerful groups, including hardline factions within the government or even external actors. The timing of the attack,amid ongoing political tensions,suggests that this was more than just a random act of violence.
A Rare but Growing Trend
SE: Attacks on judges are relatively rare in Iran, but there have been several high-profile shootings in recent years. Do you see a pattern emerging?
FR: Absolutely. While such attacks are uncommon, there has been a noticeable uptick in targeted violence against public figures in Iran.Such as, the killing of Shiite preacher Abbas ali Soleimani in 2023 and the assassination of a cleric in Kazerun last year point to a growing trend of violence aimed at destabilizing the country.These incidents frequently enough reflect deep-seated grievances and the inability of the state to fully control dissenting factions.
SE: Do you think this trend could escalate further?
FR: If the underlying issues are not addressed, yes. The Iranian government faces meaningful challenges in maintaining internal security, especially as economic pressures and political dissent continue to rise. Without meaningful reforms and improved security measures, we could see more such attacks in the future.
Inquiry and Calls for Justice
SE: Authorities have launched an investigation, and some individuals have been identified or arrested. What do you expect from this investigation?
FR: The investigation will likely focus on identifying the assailant’s motives and any potential accomplices. Though,given the opaque nature of Iran’s judicial system,it’s unclear how transparent or effective this process will be.President pezeshkian’s call for swift action is a positive step, but the real test will be whether the findings are made public and whether those responsible are held accountable.
SE: What impact could this incident have on Iran’s judiciary and its public perception?
FR: This incident is a significant blow to the credibility of Iran’s judiciary. If judges, who are supposed to be protected by the state, can be assassinated in such a brazen manner, it raises serious questions about the government’s ability to safeguard its institutions. It could also lead to increased fear and reluctance among judges to handle sensitive cases, further undermining the rule of law.
Key Takeaways
SE: As we wrap up, what are the key takeaways from this tragic event?
FR: First, this attack highlights the vulnerabilities within Iran’s judicial system and the need for enhanced security measures. Second, it underscores the deep political and social tensions that continue to plague the country. it serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by public figures in Iran, particularly those involved in contentious legal and political matters.
SE: Thank you,Dr. rezaei, for your insights. This has been an enlightening discussion.
FR: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue that deserves thorough analysis and attention.
This interview is based on reports from AP News and BBC News.
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