Ali Razini and Mohammad Moqiseh: Controversial Judges Assassinated in Bold Attack Outside Iran’s Supreme Court
In a shocking incident on January 18, 2025, two of Iran’s most infamous judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moqiseh, were brutally assassinated in a daring attack outside the Supreme Court of Iran in Tehran. Iranian authorities have labeled the incident a terrorist attack, highlighting the deep fractures within the country’s judiciary and sparking heated debates about justice, retribution, and accountability.
The Attack: A Bold Strike at the Heart of Power
Where and When: The attack occurred around 10 a.m. local time at the Palace of Justice, the heavily fortified headquarters of Iran’s Supreme Court. The assailant’s ability to penetrate such a high-security location has raised serious questions about the competence of Iran’s security apparatus.
The Assailant: Armed with a handgun and a knife, the attacker overpowered a bodyguard, stabbing him before seizing his weapon. He then opened fire, killing Razini and Moqiseh, and ultimately turned the gun on himself in a dramatic conclusion to the assault.
Casualties: The attack claimed the lives of Ali Razini (71) and Mohammad Moqiseh (68), while a third judge and a bodyguard sustained injuries.
The Judges: Heroes or Villains?
Ali Razini: A veteran judge with a controversial career, Razini survived a prior assassination attempt in 1999. He was implicated in the 1988 mass executions, during which thousands of political prisoners were summarily executed—a grim chapter in Iran’s history that continues to cast a shadow over the nation.
Mohammad Moqiseh: Renowned for his harsh rulings, Moqiseh was a divisive figure sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union for human rights abuses. His role in sentencing activists, journalists, and dissidents to lengthy prison terms cemented his reputation as a symbol of Iran’s oppressive judicial system.
Official Spin: Martyrs or Perpetrators?
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei swiftly glorified the slain judges, referring to them as “martyrs” and “Mujahid brothers” who dedicated their lives to upholding Islamic law. However, many Iranians and international observers view their deaths as a grim reminder of the judiciary’s role in perpetuating injustice.
While Iranian authorities have deemed the attack a premeditated terrorist act, early investigations suggest the gunman had no known connection to the court or its cases. This has fueled speculation about whether the assault was politically motivated or an act of personal vengeance.
The Bigger Picture: A Judiciary Under Fire
The assassination has exposed simmering tensions within Iran’s judiciary, which has long faced criticism for its harsh treatment of dissent and complicity in human rights violations. The involvement of Razini and Moqiseh in the 1988 executions and other controversial cases has made them polarizing figures, drawing ire both domestically and internationally.
This brazen attack raises unsettling questions: Was this an isolated act of violence, or a symptom of deeper unrest within Iran’s power structures? Could it signal further chaos to come?
As investigations continue, one thing is certain: the deaths of Razini and Moqiseh have reopened old wounds and reignited debates about justice, accountability, and the enduring legacy of Iran’s judiciary.