The mass execution of members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) in the 1980s, particularly during 1981-1982 and the 1988 massacre, has been recognized by the UN Special Rapporteur, Mr. Javaid Rehman, as fitting the criteria for genocide and crimes against humanity. This affirmation is grounded in extensive evidence and testimonies, which are meticulously documented in the Special Rapporteur’s report.
Genocidal Intent
According to the report, the Special Rapporteur notes that:
“Any consideration of the applicability of the Genocide Convention to mass killings during the 1980s, and particularly in 1981-1982 and the 1988 massacre has generated considerable legal challenges. As noted, the conventional provisions are limited only to national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups; this definition excludes members of political opposition. Nevertheless–in the light of aforementioned observations–it is not straightforward to exclude the opposition groups, particularly the PMOI from the category of a ‘protected group’.” (Page 12)
The mass killings of PMOI political prisoners during the 1988 massacre were conducted under a Fatwa, or religious decree, issued by Khomeini, the regime’s supreme leader. This decree ordered the execution of thousands of MEK members and supporters based on their beliefs. The report emphasizes that the Iranian regime viewed the PMOI as a religiously deviant group, thereby aligning its actions with genocidal intent.
The fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini, a critical document in understanding the 1988 massacre, is cited as:
“Khomeini’s fatwa, a key document of the 1988 massacre, lays bare the genocidal intent in physically destroying the PMOI, which was treated as a religious group by the perpetrators. The fatwa explicitly characterizes the PMOI’s alleged religious transgressions as ‘waging war against God’ that must be punished by execution.” (Page 49)
Steadfast: The Word That Decided Life and Death in #Iran’s #1988Massacrehttps://t.co/6PMIEq9Wgj
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 28, 2024
Atrocity Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
The Special Rapporteur emphasizes the extent of atrocity crimes committed during this period, noting:
“The Special Rapporteur has received substantial evidence through testimonies from individuals, victims, and survivors, confirming the commission of largescale ‘atrocity crimes’ in particular crimes against humanity of the mass murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and other inhumane acts as well as receiving evidence and submissions directing towards the crime of genocide.” (Page 38)
The report substantiates these findings with verified documentary records, victims’ testimonials, and reports by civil society organizations, highlighting the systematic nature of these crimes.
International Accountability
Given the challenges in achieving justice within Iran, the report advocates for international mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. It states:
“There remains the possibility of the use of universal jurisdiction by States to investigate, issue arrest warrants against, and prosecute individuals for ‘atrocity crimes’ including crimes against humanity as well as genocide and other serious human rights violations amounting to crimes under international law including torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions.” (Page 61)
Send Iran's genocide & crime against humanity's dossier to UN Secuirty council & the ICC #Freethe7 #Iran pic.twitter.com/KTRiZ5oHkk
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 7, 2013
The Special Rapporteur calls for the establishment of an independent international investigative and accountability mechanism:
“The Special Rapporteur has consistently called for the establishment of an independent international investigative and accountability mechanism to advance truth, justice, and accountability for the victims including by gathering, consolidating and preserving evidence with a view towards future prosecutions.” (Page 61)
This mechanism is crucial for ensuring prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent criminal investigations.
Conclusion
The UN Special Rapporteur’s report provides a detailed and substantiated affirmation of the genocide and crimes against humanity committed against the PMOI by the Iranian regime. The ideological and political motivations behind these atrocities are clearly documented, emphasizing the need for international accountability and justice for the victims.