US Criticism of Justice Minister’s Speech Unjustified

Iran’s justice minister, whose attendance at a forum on human rights in Switzerland sparked protests, has not been convicted at any international court so the United States’ criticism of the move is unjustified, says a lawmaker.

As Alireza Avaei addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 27, protestors rallied outside, with Washington saying it was “appalled” to learn about his participation in the event.

The senior official is on European Union and Swiss sanctions lists over alleged involvement in violations, including arbitrary arrests and a rise in executions while he was head of Tehran’s Justice Department, according to Reuters.

In an interview with ICANA published on Friday, Lawmaker Ezzatollah Yousefian said the top justice official has not been convicted of any charges at international courts, adding that the US expression of disapproval only shows its “bullying” nature and its “bias” against the Islamic Republic.

“It should be noted that the official representing the Islamic Republic of Iran did not voluntarily go to the forum and took part in the session after being invited, which was opposed by the United States,” he said.