The FBE is gravely concerned for the fate of independent lawyers in Iran. The assault on independent lawyers is intensifying, targeting lawyers who defend protestors and dissidents,

In January 2025, 20 lawyers were summoned to the prosecutor’s office in Yadz and on 11 February 16 lawyers who defended Women Life Freedom protestors were indicted in Mashad Province. On Saturday, March 1, 2025, independent lawyer Javad Alikordi was arrested at his law office in Mashhad during a raid conducted by intelligence agents. He insisted that legal processes should be followed following an informal order from intelligence agents that he report to serve a prison sentence. In February he was sentenced to 16 months in prison, a two-year ban on practicing law, and a two-year travel ban, after revoking a previous suspension of his sentence.

The FBE calls on the Iranian authorities to respect for the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, an end to the arrest and detention of independent lawyers carrying out their professional duties, respect for the rule of law and an end to the violation of human rights.