Professor Javaid Rehman, a former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, has vehemently denied recent accusations made against him by the Iranian regime and its supporters. The false allegations, which include claims of receiving payments for attending a conference and accusations of bias and political corruption, have been labeled by Professor Rehman as a “smear campaign” designed to discredit his work and evade accountability for the Iranian regime’s atrocities.
“The accusations against me are a smear campaign,” Professor Rehman stated in a recent statement. “They are designed to discredit my work and to help the Iranian regime avoid accountability for its atrocities.”
The accusations stem from Professor Rehman’s participation in a conference in Paris on August 24, 2024, which focused on human rights violations in Iran, particularly the 1988 massacre of political prisoners. This conference was a direct response to Professor Rehman’s final report as UN Special Rapporteur, released in July 2024, which detailed the atrocities committed by the Iranian regime.
“The Iranian regime is trying to silence those who speak out against its human rights abuses,” Professor Rehman said. “I will not be silenced.”
In a statement released on September 5, 2024, Professor Rehman categorically denied receiving any form of payment for his participation in the conference. He emphasized his commitment to integrity and impartiality during his tenure as UN Special Rapporteur, stating that he served “with great integrity and absolute commitment.”
“I have never received any form of payment for my work as the UN Special Rapporteur,” Professor Rehman said. “I have always acted independently and impartially.”
Professor Rehman has warned that the smear campaign is an attempt by the Iranian authorities to avoid accountability for their crimes. He has urged the international community to focus on the findings of his report rather than the baseless accusations, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability for victims of atrocity crimes in Iran.
“The Iranian regime must be held accountable for its crimes,” Professor Rehman said. “Justice must be done for the victims.”
A coalition of human rights defenders has issued a public statement denouncing the smear campaign and expressing support for Professor Rehman. The coalition has condemned the Iranian regime’s attempts to silence those who speak out against its human rights abuses.
“We stand in solidarity with Professor Rehman,” said a spokesperson for the coalition. “The Iranian regime’s attacks on him are a violation of his human rights.”
Professor Rehman has announced his intention to take legal action against individuals or organizations that continue to spread false and unsubstantiated allegations against him. He has also demanded that his privacy be respected and that there be no further intrusion into his private and professional life.
“I will not tolerate these attacks on my reputation,” Professor Rehman said. “I will take legal action against those who continue to spread false allegations against me.”
In conclusion, Professor Rehman’s response to the smear campaign against him is a clear affirmation of his commitment to human rights and his determination to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its atrocities. The accusations against him are baseless and unfounded, and they serve only to distract from the important work he has done to expose the Iranian regime’s abuses.
