Human Rights Watch has urged the Iranian government to provide access to lawyers for political and security prisoners in accordance with the new criminal procedure code and to eliminate existing restrictions in this regard. The statement from this human rights organization was published on Thursday, April 5, emphasizing that individuals accused of political crimes or crimes related to national security should have access to a lawyer during the investigation phase and should be able to choose their preferred lawyer. The statement indicates that Human Rights Watch has evidence showing that over the past year, individuals accused of such crimes have, in several instances, been deprived of legal representation during preliminary proceedings or have been pressured by judicial authorities to change their defense attorney. The statement adds that several lawyers have spoken with the organization, stating that in multiple cases related to security charges, the prosecutor's office has not allowed them to meet with their clients during initial investigations and has even denied them access to the case files. Among these lawyers is Salah Fallah, who represents Nizar Qaba, a Lebanese citizen detained in Iran. Mr. Fallah stated that Branch One of the Prosecutor's Office in Evin Prison has not allowed him to meet with his client. According to Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iran has ratified, anyone accused of a crime has the right to communicate with a chosen lawyer and to have sufficient time and facilities to prepare a defense. The new Iranian criminal procedure code also stipulates that defendants can choose a lawyer during the preliminary investigation phase, except for those accused of national security crimes, where access to a lawyer can only be delayed for one week. However, Human Rights Watch has provided multiple examples of violations of this law in its report, including cases involving imprisoned journalists Ehsan Mazandarani and Isa Saharkhiz, as well as Siamak and Baqer Namazi, Iranian-American citizens represented by Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabai. Mr. Alizadeh Tabatabai has stated that since the new criminal procedure code was implemented, he has not had access to his clients' cases during preliminary investigations.
Human Rights Watch: Iran Should Ensure Political Defendants Have Access to Lawyers
Human Rights Watch has called on Iran to ensure that political prisoners have access to legal representation, highlighting ongoing violations of this right. The organization cites evidence of lawyers being denied access to their clients and case files during investigations. This issue is significant as it reflects broader concerns about judicial fairness and human rights in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Human Rights Watch has called on Iran to ensure political and security prisoners have access to legal representation, citing violations of this right. The organization highlights instances where lawyers were denied access to clients and case files.
- Iran's new criminal procedure code allows defendants to choose a lawyer, but exceptions exist for national security cases.
- Human Rights Watch reports multiple violations of legal access rights, affecting both Iranian and foreign detainees.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has faced criticism for its human rights record, particularly regarding political prisoners and freedom of expression.
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