Tehran, Iran — A shooting at the Supreme Court in Tehran claimed the lives of two high-ranking judges early Saturday morning. The attacker, who also turned the gun on himself, brought sudden violence to the judiciary’s headquarters, officials said.
The deceased, identified as Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were prominent figures in Iran’s judicial sphere. Razini served as the head of Branch 39, while Moghiseh led Branch 53, roles that involved dealing with significant national security issues, including espionage and terrorism. Both men were also respected Muslim scholars holding the rank of hujjat al-Islam.
Officials described the incident as occurring soon after the start of the workweek when the assailant, equipped with a handgun, entered the office where the judges were located and opened fire. A bodyguard for one of the judges sustained injuries during the attack.
While the identity and motives of the gunman remain under investigation, authorities have tentatively classified the tragedy as a “premeditated act of terror.” Initial reports suggest that the attacker was employed at the Supreme Court, but did not have a known grudge or previous history with the targeted officials.
The judiciary’s media outlets have announced an ongoing investigation meant to discern further details surrounding the incident and to locate any accomplices or instigators related to the horrendous act.
Ali Razini, 71, and Mohammad Moghiseh, 68, had both faced significant risk in their capacities. Razini survived an assassination attempt in 1998 when he was the head of Tehran’s judiciary. Meanwhile, Moghiseh faced international scrutiny and was sanctioned by the US in 2019 for overseeing what were described as unfair trials.
The reaction to the attack has been one of shock and condemnation across Iranian officialdom. Judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei lamented the loss, highlighting the judges’ decisive stance against terrorism. Interim President Masoud Pezeshkian decried the killings as both “terrorist and cowardly,” and highlighted the need for robust security measures to protect judicial personnel.
This violence against two of Iran’s senior judiciary members underscores the ongoing risks faced by public figures in the country. Despite typical stringent security measures, attacks targeting government or high-profile figures occur, raising concerns about potential systemic vulnerabilities.
As the community reels from the impact of this incident, authorities promise rigorous efforts to enhance safety protocols and bring those responsible to justice. Investigations continue, with updates anticipated as new information emerges.