Hangzhou: Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei has said that the justice systems of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are expected to collaborate in prosecuting and punishing terrorist groups and their supporters.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the judiciary chief made these remarks in the opening ceremony of the 20th Meeting of Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts of the SCO in Hangzhou, China. Mohseni-Ejei stated that terrorists have killed over 23,000 innocent people in Iran over the past four decades and that terrorist groups threaten international peace and security.

He urged member states to pursue collaboration to counter challenges including terrorism, unilateralism, the criminal use of information and communication technologies, violations of human rights, threats to peace and security, and organized crimes.

He also highlighted the repercussions of sanctions and unilateralism, noting that certain member states of the organization face unilateral sanctions imposed by countries that claim to support human rights.

Regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, he mentioned that more than 70 percent of victims of the Israeli regime's actions in the strip are women and children, and pointed out that some of those responsible for these actions, who are being prosecuted by international courts, continue to travel freely.

The judiciary chief proposed measures to enhance judicial cooperation among the SCO member states to combat crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, cyber-attacks, and misconduct at borders.

Heading a high-ranking judicial delegation, Iran's judiciary chief began his visit to China on Monday to participate in the 20th Meeting of Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts of the SCO.