Tehran (IP) - An Iranian court, presided over by Judge Majid Hossein Zadeh, is hearing a landmark lawsuit from 402,000 citizens against 60 defendants, including the U.S. government and current and former senior officials, alleging human rights abuses and seeking material, moral, and punitive damages.

Why it matters:

The case is a serious assertion of Iranian citizens’ right to hold a foreign government accountable for alleged human rights violations. It reflects a growing trend where legal systems are used to challenge state actions on the international stage.

The big picture:

By pooling the grievances of hundreds of thousands, it spotlights a clash between Western state policies and individual rights, setting a potential precedent for future global litigation on human rights.

What he’s saying:

Presiding Judge Majid Hossein Zadeh stressed that the court is fully competent to handle the case. Citing Article 34 of the Iranian Constitution alongside key provisions from judiciary jurisdiction laws, counter-terrorism statutes, and civil liability regulations, the judge underscores that Iranian citizens have every right to seek redress for the alleged harms inflicted by the U.S. government.

Go deeper:

The legal battle is not merely about compensatory claims. This case may pave the way for similar actions worldwide, challenging the impunity of powerful state actors.

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