Two Judges Fatally Shot In Tehran’s Supreme Court Building

Two judges were killed in a shooting attack at Iran’s Supreme Court building in Tehran on Saturday, January 18, Iranian state media reported.

According to the judiciary’s Mizan Online, the attack was a “planned act of assassination.” The judges, identified as Ali Razini, 71, and Mohammad Moghisseh, 68, were targeted in their office. Both were prominent figures in cases involving national security, espionage, and terrorism.

The assailant, described as a gunman armed with a handgun, infiltrated the court building and opened fire, killing the judges and wounding one other person. The attacker reportedly “killed himself” following the attack.

Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir confirmed the incident on state television, stating, “Individuals have been identified, summoned, or arrested in connection with the incident.” He did not provide further details about the attacker’s identity or motive. Mizan Online clarified that the assailant was not involved in any cases before the Supreme Court, and authorities are continuing their investigation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attack, calling for swift action. “I strongly urge the security and law enforcement forces to examine every aspect of this reprehensible act and identify those responsible as soon as possible,” he said.

Razini, a veteran judge, held prominent roles in the judiciary and had previously survived an assassination attempt in 1998 involving a magnetic bomb. Moghisseh, also a seasoned judge, was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 for allegedly overseeing trials marked by unsubstantiated charges and disregarded evidence.

While attacks on judges are rare, Iran has witnessed several high-profile shootings in recent years.

• In October 2024, a Shiite preacher was shot dead in Kazerun.
• In April 2023, prominent cleric Abbas Ali Soleimani was killed at a bank in Mazandaran Province.
• In 2005, renowned judge Hassan Moghaddas was assassinated in his car in a busy Tehran district.

The judiciary has vowed to bring those responsible for this latest attack to justice, with investigations ongoing.