This document describes AI’s concerns about trial procedures in Iran. Regarding the detainee’s access to legal counsel, a fundamental right, AI has long been concerned about reports of summary, secret political trials with no possibility for the defence council to attend. The organization believes that thousands of prisoners may have been executed without having had recourse to legal counsel. AI is further concerned that a new law passed in 1991 fails to guarantee the defendant’s right to legal counsel in accordance with Article 14 of the ICCPR and Article 35 of Iran’s constitution. Other concerns are the absence of an independent association of lawyers and the holding of trials in camera. Also reported are recent mass arrests and executions following unrest in Mashad.
