“Mai Sato“, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, stated on February 26, 2026, coinciding with the Independence Day of the Iranian Bar Association, that the Iranian regime continues its systematic crackdown on independent lawyers.
In a post on the platform “X,” Sato emphasized that lawyers in Iran face widespread harassment, arbitrary arrest, and professional bans simply for representing clients who participated in civil or protest activities.
She warned that such security-driven actions not only undermine the independence of the legal profession but also severely threaten civic space and the ability to defend citizens’ fundamental rights.
According to the UN official, following the nationwide protests in January 2026, at least 16 lawyers have been arrested in different parts of the country—many of whom had taken the risk of defending protesters.
