New Judicial Order in Iran: Courts to Render Citizens 'Prohibited from Services'

The judiciary of Tehran province, in a letter deemed by some as contrary to citizens' rights, announced that subordinate courts can rule to 'prohibit the convicted from services.' Based on images circulated on social media, the judiciary of Tehran province has advised judges and civil enforcement judges to engage in 'prohibiting the convicted from services.' In recent months, the number of rulings and directives violating citizens' basic and civil rights has significantly increased, to the extent that not only legal experts but also some figures and media close to or supportive of the government have protested or criticized them. It is unclear whether this directive is aimed at protesters against the hijab or any citizen. This letter, dated July 4, was addressed to the heads of 'general and revolutionary courts, provincial judiciaries, and district courts' and issued by Ali Alqasi Mehr, the Chief Justice of Tehran province. In this circular, the Chief Justice effectively recommended to 'judges and civil enforcement judges' to confront the convicted individual with the blocking of their national ID code in the identity information database and documents of the National Organization for Civil Registration. Accordingly, the convicted individual in the courts of the Islamic Republic with such a ruling will be deprived of receiving all governmental and public services until they pay their debts and obligations. Iranian civil laws do not permit restrictions on citizens' right to seek justice; however, the judiciary of the Islamic Republic has deprived individuals of basic rights, such as having a chosen lawyer, particularly in political and security cases over the past few decades. A legal expert's reaction to the 'unconventional rulings' of the Islamic Republic's judiciary; a lament for justice. One of the rulings related to the hijab was violated; the Supreme Court: the court's reasoning is incorrect. The request of Sepideh Gholian's lawyer: the court session should be held publicly. An unusual notification from the Baharestan investigator: journalists must file a case in welfare and forensic medicine.