On August 24, 2024, a conference was held to address the atrocity crimes committed during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran, which targeted members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). The event focused on the need for accountability and an end to impunity for those responsible for these heinous acts.
Distinguished Participants
The conference featured an impressive lineup of international experts, including:
- Professor Chile Eboe-Osuji, former President of the International Criminal Court
- Professor Leila Sadat, former Special Adviser on Crimes Against Humanity to the ICC Prosecutor
- Professor William Schabas, renowned genocide scholar
- Professor Javaid Rehman, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran
- Several other distinguished jurists, rapporteurs, and human rights experts
Key Discussions
Genocide Against PMOI Members
Professor Javaid Rehman presented a compelling case for classifying the massacre as genocide against PMOI members. He argued that the perpetrators viewed the PMOI as “Munafiqin” (hypocrites) who had deviated from Islam, thus justifying their mass execution in the eyes of the Iranian theocracy.
Ongoing Human Rights Violations
The conference highlighted the continuing human rights abuses in Iran. In the month leading up to the event, the regime had executed at least 126 prisoners across various cities, demonstrating an unrestrained brutality.
Sham Trials and International Response
Steven Schneebaum addressed the ongoing sham trials of 104 Iranian Resistance leaders and members in Tehran. He emphasized that any red notices requested by Iran should be rejected by Interpol and ignored by other countries, as these trials are merely a pretext for a new campaign of terrorism against regime opponents abroad.
Call to Action
Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, praised Professor Rehman’s report as the most appropriate definition of atrocity crimes against humanity and genocide. She called for an expansion of the campaign against executions and advocated for a democratic Iran free from torture, repression, and injustice.
Historical Context
The conference shed light on the 1988 massacre, during which an estimated 30,000 political prisoners were executed, with 90% of the victims being PMOI members. This event remains one of the most egregious human rights violations committed by the Iranian regime.
Conclusion
The conference served as a crucial platform for international experts to discuss the 1988 massacre and its ongoing implications. By bringing together such a distinguished group of participants, the event aimed to raise awareness about the atrocities committed in Iran and push for accountability on the global stage. The discussions emphasized the need for continued efforts to address human rights violations in Iran and to work towards a more democratic future for the country.
