Iranian Judges Linked to 1988 Mass Executions Fatally Shot in Tehran

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In a shocking and rare attack targeting Iran’s judiciary, a man fatally shot two prominent hard-line judges in Tehran. The victims, clerics Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini, were both connected to the controversial mass executions of dissidents in 1988. The assailant, armed with a handgun, also wounded a bodyguard at the Palace of Justice, the headquarters of Iran’s judiciary.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killings thus far. Razini had previously survived an assassination attempt in 1999, likely due to his involvement in the executions. These events unfold against the backdrop of Iran grappling with economic challenges, unrest in the region impacting its allies, and the anticipated return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the political arena.

Both Mogheiseh and Razini were members of Iran’s Supreme Court, overseeing various court branches nationwide. The Iranian judiciary has launched investigations to identify the perpetrators of the terrorist act. Asghar Jahangir, a spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary, revealed that the shooter had infiltrated the courthouse, hinting at possible internal involvement.

These judges’ controversial past, particularly their alleged participation in the 1988 executions, has drawn international scrutiny and condemnation. Mogheiseh, sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2019, was known for imposing harsh sentences on journalists and internet users. Razini, on the other hand, defended the “death commissions” in a 2017 interview, claiming they were carried out in accordance with the law to safeguard Iran’s security.

The mass executions of 1988, linked to Khomeini’s era, remain a dark chapter in Iran’s history. Activists and exiles have accused officials like Mogheiseh and Razini of leading these executions, resulting in thousands of deaths. Despite differing accounts of the exact number of victims, the impact of these events has left a lasting scar on Iran’s judicial system and human rights record. The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, an Iranian opposition group, refrained from commenting on the recent developments.

The significance of these killings extends beyond the loss of two judges, shedding light on Iran’s complex political landscape and historical grievances. The investigation into the motive behind the attack and the identity of the perpetrator will undoubtedly raise questions about internal security measures and potential vulnerabilities within Iran’s judiciary system.