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Press Release

Law Society, Bar Council and Bar Human Rights Committee call for end to mass trials in Iran

August 26 2009

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 express their deep concern at reports of mass trials being held in Iran following the political unrest after the disputed June presidential elections.

Today began the fourth mass trial in Tehran's Revolutionary Court 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 Rights . 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.



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