Mon Jan 20 16:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Two Top Iranian Judges Shot Dead in Supreme Court Attack
**Tehran, Iran** – Two prominent Iranian judges, Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini, known for handing down harsh sentences including numerous death penalties, were fatally shot inside the Supreme Court building in Tehran on Saturday. The attack, described by Iranian authorities as a “planned assassination,” was carried out by a lone gunman who subsequently committed suicide.
The assailant, whose motives remain unclear, gained entry to the Supreme Court and opened fire on the judges before taking his own life, according to Asghar Jahangir, a spokesman for Iran’s judiciary. The judiciary stated that the attacker had no prior connection to the court and was not a visitor. While no group has claimed responsibility, the judiciary hinted at the possibility of foreign involvement, citing ongoing efforts to combat individuals and groups linked to “the evil Zionist regime, America’s allies, spies, and terrorist groups.”
Moghiseh and Razini were both high-ranking figures within Iran’s judicial system, with long careers marked by severe punishments. Moghiseh, who was sanctioned by the US and EU for human rights abuses, was known for his role in prosecuting political prisoners following the 2009 protests. Razini, who previously survived a car bombing attempt, served as Tehran’s Revolutionary Prosecutor and was involved in the 1988 mass executions.
The incident has sparked reactions both within Iran and internationally. Human rights organizations have condemned the judges’ actions, highlighting their involvement in what some describe as crimes against humanity. Former prisoners who had their cases overseen by the judges took to social media to share their harrowing experiences, recounting instances of swift and brutal sentencing.
The attack represents one of the most significant assaults on Iran’s judiciary in recent years, raising concerns about security and potentially reigniting tensions with foreign powers. The investigation into the attack continues.