Two judges of Iran’s Supreme Court were killed in an armed attack on Saturday morning in Tehran. The assailants targeted three judges, with Mohammad Moghiseh and Hojatoleslam Ali Razini tragically losing their lives. The third judge sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Local media reported that the attacker, who is believed to have been a staff member responsible for refreshments at the court, used a handgun to carry out the assault. After the attack, the assailant reportedly took his own life.
The Judiciary Media Centre issued a statement confirming the deaths, calling the attack a “premeditated assassination” targeting judges renowned for their work against national security threats, including espionage and terrorism. Judge Moghiseh headed Branch 53 of the Supreme Court, while Hojatoleslam Ali Razini led Branch 39. Both men were well known for their dedication to upholding public security.
Initial investigations suggest that the attacker had no case pending at the Supreme Court and was not a visitor to any of its branches. Iranian authorities swiftly responded to the attack but were unable to apprehend the gunman before he committed suicide.
The attack follows a period of heightened efforts by Iran’s Judiciary to identify and prosecute individuals linked to espionage and threats against national security. ISNA News also reported that Ali Razini had been previously targeted in a similar assassination attempt in January 1999.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and continues to develop.