Interview of Iran’s Judiciary Chief with Chinese media CGTN, China Daily, and Xinhua

According to the Judiciary’s Media Center, Mohseni Ejei, the Chief of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who traveled to Hangzhou, China, to participate in the 20th SCO Judicial Summit, elaborated in these interviews on the objectives of the Iranian high-level judicial delegation’s visit to China.

He also highlighted the significant capacities of SCO member states for developing judicial and legal interactions, as well as Iran’s principled stances on establishing and consolidating international peace and security and combating various forms of terrorism.

Mohseni Ejei stated at the outset of the interview: “To enhance capacities and make optimal use of these increased capacities within the SCO, there is a need to reassess the methods that the members of this important organization have so far adopted to advance their objectives. Undoubtedly, increasing the level of cooperation and synergy among SCO members is a fundamental principle. To achieve this, each member can leverage its geopolitical position and membership in other significant regional and global organizations.”

The Judiciary Chief, noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a victim of terrorism while possessing valuable experiences in combating this heinous phenomenon, said: “Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution 46 years ago, terrorist elements and groups affiliated with global arrogance have martyred approximately 23,000 individuals, including our system’s officials, scholars, local leaders, and ordinary citizens. We have gained valuable experiences and achievements in confronting these terrorist organizations, their supporters, and those who harbor them. We are ready to share these experiences and achievements with other countries, including SCO members and nations that are also victims of terrorism.”

The Judiciary Chief added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran also has invaluable experiences in combating smuggling, particularly drug trafficking and organized crime, with around a thousand martyrs and injured in this path. We are prepared to share our experiences in this area with other countries as well.”

He further stated: “Elements associated with terrorist groups, members of smuggling gangs, organized crime, and economic corruptors are among the primary perpetrators of crimes such as money laundering. In this regard, SCO members can collaborate and assist in judicial and intelligence fields to first prevent such crimes that lead to money laundering and, second, employ the most effective and targeted methods to counter these crimes, identifying and punishing the perpetrators in the most principled and professional manner possible.”

Referring to Iran’s achievements in cybersecurity and countering the harms of virtual space, Mohseni Ejei said: “The cyber domain and artificial intelligence are areas of profound and daily transformations. In Iran, we utilize cyberspace and AI to facilitate and expedite judicial and legal services to the public, enhance the accuracy of judicial rulings, and expand legal education. However, this space also harbors threats and vulnerabilities. We have consistently been targeted by global arrogance for cyberattacks on our critical infrastructure. Thus, we have gained experiences in defensive measures in this domain and achieved results in countering its threats and harms. Iran is ready to exchange information and experiences in the cyber and AI domains with SCO members, some of whom, like China, are pioneers in this field.”

Continuing, the Judiciary Chief addressed the use of sanctions by imperialist powers against independent nations, stating: “By imposing what they call crippling sanctions on Iran, imperialist powers aimed to push our economy toward collapse. However, amidst these sanctions, we generated power and enhanced our deterrence capabilities. We resisted these sanctions and neutralized many of them by relying on domestic capabilities. I do not deny the adverse impact of sanctions on our people’s livelihoods, but I emphasize that the goal of those imposing sanctions—collapsing Iran—was not achieved.”

He noted that sanctions imposed by imperialist powers clearly contradict international conventions and laws related to human rights, adding: “It is essential for SCO member states, which encompass vast populations and geographies, to stand united against those who use sanctions to advance their objectives. During sanctions, Iran turned threats into opportunities and gained expertise in this regard, which it can share with other members. We believe SCO countries should take joint legal and international actions to increase the cost and consequences of imposing sanctions for sanctioning powers. They should strengthen their cooperation so that if one member is sanctioned, others provide political, economic, and legal support to the affected member.”

Highlighting the SCO’s significant potential for establishing and consolidating global peace and security, he said: “SCO member states stand out globally due to their population, geographical scope, material resources, and power components. Additionally, SCO members are active in other influential global organizations and pacts like BRICS. These are profound capacities that can be further actualized to achieve sustainable peace for the entire world, liberate regions under Western domination, and free the world from unilateral and unipolar paradigms. We seek sustainable peace, tranquility, and security for all humanity across the globe.”

Addressing the instrumental use of concepts like human rights by Western powers, Mohseni Ejei said: “In Islam, respecting human rights is a fundamental and inviolable principle. In contrast, Western powers adopt a selective and discriminatory approach to human rights, often defining humanity and its rights based on their flawed standards and attempting to impose these erroneous definitions globally. They even threaten to sanction and besiege countries that do not align with their human rights criteria. Iran stands against this imposed and unilateral approach and believes all independent nations should adopt such a stance.”

He added: “Over the past year and a half, the world has witnessed how self-proclaimed human rights advocates fully support the Zionist regime, which commits the most heinous crimes against the people of Gaza—crimes unprecedented in history. The question is: Do the people of Gaza not fall within the scope of the human rights claimed by the West?”

Referring to the long-standing relations between Iran and China, he noted: “China and Iran are countries with ancient civilizations and cultures, with longstanding interactions. Some provinces of these two countries have historically formed bonds of brotherhood and mutual support. In recent years, following the conclusion of the comprehensive strategic document and the 25-year roadmap between Iran and China, both countries committed to utilizing each other’s experiences, capacities, and capabilities in various fields. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has made significant progress and leaps in many scientific disciplines, ranking among the top countries in certain areas. Today, we are ready to assist China in all fields and strive to make the best use of China’s capacities and capabilities.”

The Chief of Iran’s Judiciary stated that as exchanges, trade, and interactions between the two countries increase, legal and judicial frameworks and mechanisms must also evolve. He said: “We have identified potential judicial and legal obstacles that Iranians in China or Chinese citizens in Iran may face and have devised solutions to address these barriers. For instance, we have outlined the potential legal and judicial challenges that a Chinese investor in Iran or an Iranian trader in China might encounter.”

Noting differences in the legal systems of Iran and China, Mohseni Ejei said: “Wherever possible, and within the legal and judicial frameworks of both countries, we should align and harmonize various issues.”

He emphasized: “Given the significant commercial interactions between Iran and China, there should be an arbitration mechanism between the two countries. Many problems and obstacles can be resolved through such arbitration.”

He added: “With the emergence of new technologies, it is no longer necessary for individuals to travel long distances for many judicial matters. Many arbitration and mediation processes now take place through modern technological platforms. To reduce judicial and legal barriers between Iran and China, we must fully utilize these opportunities and capacities.”

The Judiciary Chief concluded: “Joint committees should be established between Iran and China to promptly address existing judicial issues and obstacles between the two countries.”