The First Thing We Do . . . :Leading Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Sentenced To Nine Years

Iranian “courts” have continued their attack on the rule of law by ordering the jailing of leading human rights attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. Dadkhah has shown great courage in representing dissidents, including Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor charged with apostasy and sentenced to death for leaving Islam and converting to Christianity. Dahkhah was actually in court defending an individual when the judge announced his own sentence to nine years in prison.

Dadkhah was convicted of “acting against national security” in Iran, which is what the Sharia-based courts call representing dissidents and fighting for the rule of law. Dadkhah also says that he was convicted of “keeping banned books at home.” In addition to his jail, he will be barred from teaching at universities or practicing law for 10 years.

In my view, the American Bar Association needs to do more in recognizing the persecution of lawyers like Dadkhah and condemning these types of cases. Dadkhah’s conviction is an international outrage by a nation set upon destroying the rule of law on the altar of religious orthodoxy.

Source: Guardian