Sadegh Larijani: We Oppose Haste in Judicial Proceedings

While officials of the judiciary emphasize 'swift and out-of-turn' punishment for the detained Gonabadi dervishes in the Pasdaran Street clashes, the head of the judiciary states that he opposes 'haste' in judicial proceedings. Sadegh Larijani mentioned in a meeting with judicial officials that 'we oppose haste in handling cases, as the main issue for us is to act within the framework of the law.' He added that 'unfortunately, some are tempted by haste and insist on quick and immediate proceedings, while the nature of some cases requires more time and necessary expert actions.' The highest judicial authority in Iran did not refer to the names and titles of those who are 'tempted by haste,' but previously, Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i had called for speeding up the 'punishment' of the Gonabadi dervishes in light of recent clashes with security forces. Following these clashes, judicial officials repeatedly announced that they would handle the cases of those detained, whom they claim 'disturb the peace and security of the people,' as soon as possible and out of turn. Meanwhile, dozens of political and civil activists issued a statement emphasizing that the news about the 'immediate and out-of-turn trial' of the detained dervishes has 'preemptively questioned the independence and impartiality of the court.' The head of the judiciary also reiterated that 'judges and staff [of the judiciary] are not afraid of attacks from foreign enemies and some individuals inside, and they are not discouraged in the path they are taking.' While defending the performance of his subordinates, some of whom have repeatedly made statements undermining judicial impartiality, he has also made unfounded allegations against individuals like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has criticized the Iranian judicial system. Sadegh Larijani also described the criticisms from international bodies and UN reporters regarding human rights conditions in Iran as 'repetitive,' stating that 'it is regrettable that international bodies, instead of taking an impartial stance, fall into the grip of global powers.' Larijani's reference is to the last report by Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, before her death, which, according to Reuters, Tehran attempted to prevent from being published. The report emphasized that despite promises for reforms, the Islamic Republic continues to violate freedom of expression, detaining activists and political opponents, and subjecting them to torture. In response to this report, the head of the judiciary stated that 'everything attributed to Iran under the title of torture in Islamic Republic prisons, unjust gender laws, and some executions is based on completely unsubstantiated claims and sometimes completely false reports.' He added that 'this way of reporting, where the UN Secretary-General sits in his headquarters and, without hearing the statements of the other side, bases his claims on those who work against the Islamic Republic with the money of intelligence services, is illogical and irrational.' In Jahangir's report, which the head of the Iranian judiciary objected to, it was emphasized that independent investigations are necessary regarding the suppression of protests and the deaths of detainees in custody, referring to the nationwide protests in Iran in December. The report assessed the human rights situation in Iran as 'more concerning' even compared to this summer, highlighting that the Islamic Republic has further restricted freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful gatherings, and subjects detainees to torture and violent treatment to extract confessions. It states that security agents of the Islamic Republic continue arbitrary arrests of opponents and activists, and detainees do not enjoy the right to a fair trial, with discrimination against women and ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities persisting. Examples of violations of freedom of information in Iran include blocking hundreds of thousands of internet addresses and arresting internet activists, as well as harassing the families of BBC Persian media staff in Iran. In another part of his statements, the head of the judiciary regarded 'pretending to be without hijab' as a form of 'promoting vice' and described creating 'doubt' in this regard, especially by some 'elites,' as 'beating the drum of the enemy.' Sadegh Larijani stated that pretending to be without hijab is akin to 'pretending to commit any other sinful act' and that 'an issue that has a religious and legal root should not be questioned.' He added, 'Now, some young people may make mistakes, but why do individuals who are somewhat considered elites beat the drum of the enemy?' The head of the judiciary also dismissed calls for a referendum on the compulsory hijab in Iran as 'very silly arguments,' stating that 'the argument of these individuals is that the Islamic government... should hold a referendum to permit or prohibit a sinful act.' He noted, 'Tomorrow, the same argument may be raised regarding the sale of alcohol, entertainment venues, centers of corruption and vice, etc., which is very incorrect.' This high-ranking judicial official also warned the media and individuals against creating 'doubt' regarding the government's prevention of 'the promotion of non-hijab and bad hijab.' Larijani's remarks come in the wake of recent public protests by some women in Iran against compulsory hijab, which have sparked harsh and judicial responses. Some political figures, such as Mostafa Tajzadeh, have also opposed the compulsory hijab, and Alireza Beheshti, the son of Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, the first head of the Supreme Court of Iran after the revolution, has stated that his father was against compulsory hijab and did not enforce it until the last day of his judicial activities.