Joint Statement

Nasser Seraj, a notorious judge known for his role in widespread human rights violations, was appointed on Saturday, 8 February 2025, by the head of Iran’s Judiciary as the new head of the High Council for Human Rights. This Council is the main body coordinating Iran’s engagement with UN human rights mechanisms.

The Balochistan Human Rights Group, along with a number of other human rights organizations, has condemned this appointment in a joint statement, describing it as a sign of the government’s continued repressive policies and disregard for genuine human rights reforms.

Seraj’s record includes leading the crackdown on protests following the 2009 presidential election, involvement in unfair trials, issuing death sentences, and suppressing freedom of expression and the press. The signatory organizations consider Seraj’s appointment an indication of the authorities’ intention to continue using human rights institutions as tools to justify state repression and avoid accountability.