At least 135 lawyers faced judicial or security measures between September 2025 and September 2026, including arrests, detention, suspension and travel bans, the experts said. At least 23 lawyers, including five women, were reportedly arrested in January and February 2026 after nationwide protests.

Authorities have reportedly told lawyers not to take protest-related cases. The experts said courts had restricted defendants’ choice of counsel and limited independent lawyers’ access to clients and case files.

Human rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi was arrested on 11 October after appearing at Isfahan Revolutionary Court for two clients facing sentences over alleged links to the protests. Taraneh Rahimi was sentenced to death for moharebeh, or enmity against God, while Romina Rahimi received 25 years in prison for aiding and abetting the offence.

The experts also raised concerns about pressure on women lawyers, including disciplinary action over alleged “improper dress”, and interference in bar association elections and candidate approvals.

“Lawyers must be able to perform their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference,” the experts said.