The statements have been interpreted as a green light for a campaign against dissent. Dariush Forouhar, the former labor minister and head of the Iran Nation Party, and his wife Parvaneh, who were outspoken critics of human and political rights violations, were murdered in November. Four writers were also killed at the end of the year, evidently for criticizing the Islamic regime. The judiciary is not independent. Judges, like all officials, must meet strict political and religious qualifications.
Bribery is common.
Civil courts provide some procedural safeguards, though judges may serve simultaneously as prosecutors during trials. Revolutionary courts try political and religious cases, but are often arbitrarily assigned cases that normally fall under civil court jurisdiction. Charges are often vague, detainees are often denied access to legal counsel, and revolutionary courts do not uphold due process. There is no right of appeal. Press freedom improved slightly in 1998, though tolerance remains arbitrary and crackdowns occurred.