Iran appointed Sunday Mohammed Jafar Montazeri, who is under US and British sanctions, to head the country’s top court.
Iran's Chief Justice Gholamreza Mohseni-Ejei made the appointment.
The 75-year-old, who had served as prosecutor general since 2016, would be succeeded in his former post by Mohammad Kazem Movahedi Azad, the chief of the High Disciplinary Court of Judges which investigates judicial conduct, the judiciary´s Mizan Online website said.
Montazeri was placed under US sanctions in December, with Washington identifying him as having a role in “overseeing the prosecution of protesters” during mass demonstrations in Iran last year.
Britain followed suit in January and imposed punitive measures against Montazeri following the execution of British-Iranian Alireza Akbari for spying.
Iran was gripped by unrest after the September death in custody of Mahsa Amini following her arrest for an alleged breach of the country’s dress rules for women.
The demonstrations saw hundreds of people killed, including dozens of security personnel, and thousands arrested in connection with what officials labeled as “riots.”
The authorities arrested more than 20,000 protesters.
Seven men have been executed in protest-related cases involving killings and other violence against security forces.
The top court is currently looking into execution sentences against protesters, and the appointment of Montazeri could impact these cases.
In December, Montazeri said that the morality police “was abolished by those who established it”, which was seen as a gesture toward protesters.
Last month, the police announced resuming patrols to punish those who don’t abide by hijab in public places. Their number has increased since the beginning of protests last year.
