While Iranians around the world commemorated the 28th anniversary of the massacre of political prisoners in Iran, when in 1988 at least 30,000 political prisoners were executed following a religious decree by the first ‘Supreme Leader’ of Iran, Khomeini, the current regime carried out the shocking mass execution of more than 20 Sunni prisoners.  

As it was during the 1988 fatwa, those who did not repent their opposition to the ruling theocratic regime and were unwilling to collaborate with the regime were sentenced to death under the pretext of “Waging war against God”.  It’s clear that nothing has changed regarding the human rights situation in Iran. In fact, it has worsened, with arbitrary arrests of dual citizens, suppression of women’s rights, and intolerance of religious and ethnic minorities.

Tuesday’s executions follow intensifying pressure on political prisoners by authorities, who impose severe punishments and deny medical care in the prisons.

The British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom (BPCIF) strongly condemned Tehran’s continued use of the death penalty, and declared that the Iranian regime can no longer be allowed to hide behind the notion of “moderation”. The international community must take a stand against the atrocities that take place daily in Iran.

The Statement concludes, “In our endeavors to advance human rights and democracy in Iran, we urge the government to recognize the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in the country as a crime against humanity and to take appropriate steps with our Western allies in the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council to make sure that those responsible for these executions be brought to justice in an international tribunal.”