An Iranian judge has been killed in what authorities call a terrorist attack in the southern city of Shiraz, reported state media on Tuesday.

The victim, Ehsan Bagheri, 38, was attacked by two unidentified attacks exercising a “cold weapon” – typically referring to a knife or a blunt instrument – while on his way to work in the morning, according to Irna News Agency. Officials did not reveal the exact type of weapon used.

Bagheri served as head of branch 102 in Shiraz’s Criminal Court 2, the report says.

Seyed Sadrollah Rajaee-Nasab, the head of the provincial Ministry of Justice, confirmed the killing and said a study is underway. Iran’s Court of Justice, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has ordered a nationwide Manhunt to track those responsible.

The attack follows a separate incident in January, when two prominent judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were deadly shot at their offices in Tehran – an act that also shocked the legal society and raised concerns about targeted violence against legal officials.

The authorities have not yet attached the incidents, but both have given rise to calls for improved security measures for legal figures across the country.