*/
THE Chief Executive of the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Chairman of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales and the President of the Law Society of England and Wales expressed their deep concern at reports of mass trials being held in Iran following the political unrest after the disputed June presidential elections. The fourth mass trial in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court began yesterday where over 100 people have been accused of crimes including rioting, vandalism, “acting against national security”, and conspiring against the ruling system. Those on trial include members of the opposition reform movement, including a former vice-president and other senior politicians. Two Iranian workers for the British and French embassies in Tehran, a French academic and an
Iranian-Canadian reporter were also among those on trial.
This is the latest in a series of moves which threatens to undermine Iran’s credibility for upholding international standards for the rule of law and fair trial procedures. Reports indicate that lawyers representing the defendants have been denied access to their clients, to prosecution case documents and to knowledge of the dates of the trials. If these allegations are true, Iran is failing to meet their international obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights1 . In particular, defendants have a right to an adequate defence. This includes not only the right to be assisted by a lawyer, but also to have all the elements of evidence at one’s disposal, including access to case materials. This right constitutes one of the most fundamental elements of a fair trial. In the interests of justice, the accused is entitled to the minimum guarantees of legal representation. The signatories to this statement ask the Iranian authorities to abide by their government’s commitment to the rule of law and fair trial procedures. Any trials that take place in Iran must ensure that defendants are guaranteed their fundamental rights. The signatories urge the Iranian authorities to put an end to these trials and release those who have been imprisoned arbitrarily without charge of a specific criminal offence.
This is the latest in a series of moves which threatens to undermine Iran’s credibility for upholding international standards for the rule of law and fair trial procedures. Reports indicate that lawyers representing the defendants have been denied access to their clients, to prosecution case documents and to knowledge of the dates of the trials. If these allegations are true, Iran is failing to meet their international obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights1 . In particular, defendants have a right to an adequate defence. This includes not only the right to be assisted by a lawyer, but also to have all the elements of evidence at one’s disposal, including access to case materials. This right constitutes one of the most fundamental elements of a fair trial. In the interests of justice, the accused is entitled to the minimum guarantees of legal representation. The signatories to this statement ask the Iranian authorities to abide by their government’s commitment to the rule of law and fair trial procedures. Any trials that take place in Iran must ensure that defendants are guaranteed their fundamental rights. The signatories urge the Iranian authorities to put an end to these trials and release those who have been imprisoned arbitrarily without charge of a specific criminal offence.
THE Chief Executive of the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Chairman of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales and the President of the Law Society of England and Wales expressed their deep concern at reports of mass trials being held in Iran following the political unrest after the disputed June presidential elections. The fourth mass trial in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court began yesterday where over 100 people have been accused of crimes including rioting, vandalism, “acting against national security”, and conspiring against the ruling system. Those on trial include members of the opposition reform movement, including a former vice-president and other senior politicians. Two Iranian workers for the British and French embassies in Tehran, a French academic and an
Iranian-Canadian reporter were also among those on trial.
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Reviews by Daniel Barnett
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
