Two Supreme Court judges assassinated in Tehran in pre-planned attack

TEHRAN – An assailant opened fire near the Supreme Court headquarters in the Iranian capital on Saturday, killing two judges and injuring a third, according to IRNA news agency, citing informed sources.

In a statement, the judiciary’s media office identified the victims as Hojjatoleslam Ali Razini, head of Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Moqiseh, head of Branch 53.

“This morning, an armed infiltrator in the Supreme Court against two brave judges with a long history of fighting crimes against national security, spies, and terrorism,” the statement read.

According to initial findings, the person in question “acted on a pre-planned assassination plot” and was neither involved in any lawsuit at the Supreme Court nor a client of its branches.

“Right after the terrorist act, an attempt was made to arrest the gunman, who then quickly committed suicide,” the statement added.

The Judiciary further said an investigation had been launched to identify and arrest those behind the assassination.