Two defense attorneys in Shiraz, Mehran Ansari and Mehdi Ansari, must serve prison terms following the finalization of their judicial sentences; this case comes amid a wave of judicial pressure against defense attorneys in Fars Province
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, September 5, 2026 – According to received information, the prison sentences of two defense attorneys in Shiraz, Mehran Ansari and Mehdi Ansari, have been finalized, and both lawyers will be summoned to serve their prison terms.
This case comes following previous reports regarding the formation of judicial files for approximately 20 lawyers in Fars Province and the arrest of 12 of them following the January 2026 protests.
Mehran Ansari Sentenced to One Year in Prison
Mehran Ansari, a defense attorney in Shiraz, has been sentenced to one year in prison based on the issued ruling. The charge raised against him is stated as “propaganda against the system,” and according to available information, this sentence has been finalized.
Ansari was previously detained for approximately one month. Born in September 1987, he received his law license in 2017 and has practiced as a defense attorney ever since.
Mehdi Ansari: Three Years in Prison on Charge of Assembly and Collusion
Mehdi Ansari, another defense attorney in Shiraz, faces a three-year prison sentence. The charge raised against him is stated as “assembly and collusion against the system,” and the sentence issued for him has also been finalized.
According to available information, Mehdi Ansari was detained for approximately two weeks. Born in June 1989, he received his law license in 2020.
These two attorneys are relatives.
Continued Pattern of Pressure on Lawyers in Fars Province
The case of Mehran and Mehdi Ansari emerges amid reports published over recent months regarding heightened judicial and security pressures on defense attorneys in Fars Province.
Previously, the head of the Lawyers’ Protection Commission at the Bar Association of the Fars Region declared that judicial files were opened for approximately 20 lawyers following the January 2026 protests. Based on that same report, 12 lawyers were arrested, and the cases of several remain in various judicial stages.
Human rights activists and organizations defending bar association independence have repeatedly expressed concern regarding judicial actions against lawyers active in political and social cases.
Information Box | Case Information at a Glance
| Subject | Mehran Ansari | Mehdi Ansari |
| Profession | Defense Attorney (Licensed 2017) | Defense Attorney (Licensed 2020) |
| Birth Date / Age | September 1987 (Age ~39) | June 1989 (Age ~37) |
| Charge | Propaganda against the system | Assembly and collusion against the system |
| Sentence | 1 year in prison | 3 years in prison |
| Verdict Status | Finalized (Summoned for execution) | Finalized (Summoned for execution) |
| Prior Detention Period | Approximately 1 month | Approximately 2 weeks |
| Location | Shiraz, Fars Province | Shiraz, Fars Province |
Legal Review of the Fars Lawyers’ Case Based on Domestic Laws
The laws of the dictatorship ruling Iran have consistently been criticized due to restricting citizens’ rights and conflicting with fair trial principles. Reviewing this case based on domestic laws does not mean confirmation of these laws; rather, it demonstrates that even within the framework of these regulations, observing defendants’ rights and the independence of lawyers faces ambiguity.
Legal Ambiguities of the Case
- Article 35 of the Constitution: Explicitly recognizes the right to choose legal counsel.
- Articles 32 and 37 of the Constitution: Emphasize the legality of arrest and the presumption of innocence.
- Fair Trial Standards: Fair adjudication, effective access to defense, and transparent judicial proceedings constitute fundamental trial principles.
- Procedural Violations: Issuing prison sentences to lawyers in connection with professional, social, or opinion-based activities—when accompanied by defense restrictions or non-transparent procedures—conflicts with principles declared in domestic laws.
Reviewing the Case from the Perspective of Human Rights and Violation of International Standards
The conviction of defense attorneys to imprisonment in connection with civic or professional activities raises serious concerns regarding the right to freedom of expression, independence of the legal profession, and the right to a fair trial.
Human Rights Ambiguities of the Case
Targeting attorneys for practicing their profession or expressing views undermines the broader legal system, stripping citizens of effective legal representation and defense against arbitrary judicial actions.
Related International Documents
- Articles 9, 10 & 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibit arbitrary arrest and guarantee fair trial rights and the presumption of innocence.
- Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Protects freedom of opinion and expression.
- Articles 9, 14 & 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Guarantee personal security, fair trials, and freedom of expression.
- UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers: Emphasize the necessity of lawyers’ independence and preventing their prosecution or punishment for performing professional functions.
See also the below articles:
- Transfer of 6 Political Prisoners Accused of “Moharebeh” to Central Prison of Karaj
- Mai Sato Demands Withdrawal of “Countering Foreign Influence” Bill
Follow Iran Human Rights Society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter
