Iran's Top Judge Urges Immediate Trial of Rioters

Monday, January 19, 2026  Read time2 min

SAEDNEWS: Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has called for swift, fair, and careful trials of individuals arrested for terrorist activities during recent violent riots across the country. Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Council of Judiciary.

Iran's Top Judge Urges Immediate Trial of Rioters

According to SAEDNEWS, he emphasized that courts must promptly and accurately process the cases of detained suspects. He stressed that these trials must be a top priority, conducted with strict adherence to legal norms, justice, and due care.

Mohseni Ejei urged judicial authorities to avoid any delay in prosecuting key riot participants, including those who have confessed to killing security personnel. He echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei’s stance, affirming that the judiciary will pursue both domestic and international prosecution of those responsible for the crimes.

He stated that the US president, the Zionist regime, and other sponsors of the violent acts are guilty and will face punishments proportionate to the severity of their actions.

On January 17, Ayatollah Khamenei described the rioters as two types: one group meticulously recruited and trained by US and Zionist intelligence agencies, receiving financial support and specialized training. He noted that many of these individuals have already been apprehended due to effective law enforcement.

The Leader instructed relevant state agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to pursue the international perpetrators, stating, "We will not lead the country into war, but we will not let go of domestic and international criminals. This must be addressed through our own methods and correct approach."

Details on Judicial Directives

The Chief Justice underscored the necessity of judicial efficiency in handling the sensitive cases arising from the widespread unrest. The directive focused on balancing the speed of justice with the sanctity of legal procedure, ensuring that trials are not only prompt but also legally sound.

  1. Prompt Processing: Courts are mandated to prioritize the workload associated with riot-related arrests to prevent backlogs and ensure timely judicial review.

  2. Fairness and Due Care: Despite the emphasis on speed, Mohseni Ejei insisted that all legal safeguards must be observed, noting that speed cannot compromise the fairness of the proceedings or the meticulous assessment of evidence.

  3. Focus on Key Participants: Specific attention was drawn to suspects implicated in violence against state security forces, particularly those whose involvement has been confirmed through confessions.

International Dimension of Prosecution

The judiciary's stance extends beyond national borders, aligning with the Supreme Leader’s instructions to hold foreign entities accountable for instigating or supporting the unrest. Mohseni Ejei explicitly named the US administration and the "Zionist regime" as primary actors whose influence and support for the rioters constitute punishable offenses under international principles that Iran adheres to.

Ayatollah Khamenei's categorization of the rioters provides the framework for the ongoing investigation:

  • Group One (Trained Agents): Individuals who were allegedly recruited, funded, and specializedly trained by foreign intelligence services (US and Zionist agencies). Effective security measures have reportedly led to the capture of a significant portion of this group.

  • Group Two (Local Participants): Those who engaged in destructive acts, whose motives might be varied, but who participated in illegal activities.

The explicit mandate given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates a coordinated effort to compile evidence suitable for international legal mechanisms or diplomatic pressure against the accused foreign sponsors. The commitment remains firm: "We will not let go of domestic and international criminals."