Iranian Judge Assassinated in Shiraz in Targeted Attack
Judge Ehsan Bagheri, who presided over Branch 102 of Shiraz’s Criminal Court 2, was ambushed by two unidentified assailants as he headed to his office, Iran’s judiciary-affiliated Mizan Online reported.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — A criminal court judge in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz was assassinated Tuesday morning on his way to work, according to the Iranian judiciary, in what officials are describing as a “terrorist act.”
Judge Ehsan Bagheri, who presided over Branch 102 of Shiraz’s Criminal Court 2, was ambushed by two unidentified assailants as he headed to his office, Iran’s judiciary-affiliated Mizan Online reported. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, left the judge fatally wounded.
“Unfortunately, as a result of this terrorist act, he was martyred,” the judiciary said in a statement.
No group has claimed responsibility for the killing as of yet, and Iranian authorities have not released further details regarding the identity or motive of the attackers. The judiciary said a full investigation is underway.
Judge Bagheri was known for overseeing a range of criminal cases in the southern Fars province. His assassination sparks heightened security concerns, particularly amid broader tensions within the country and the region.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the killing marks a rare direct attack on a judicial official in Iran, where such figures are typically afforded state protection. Shiraz, a major city in Fars province, has experienced sporadic unrest in recent years, including attacks claimed by extremist groups.
Authorities have vowed to pursue those responsible and have not ruled out a potential link to organized crime or terrorist elements.
This latest incident comes at a time of mounting domestic challenges for Iran, including economic hardship, political dissent, and security threats that have targeted both civilians and government officials.