The 1988 massacre where over 30,000 political prisoners were executed under Ruhollah Khomeini’s directive.

At a recent book fair designated for the Iranian regime’s Basij force, regime-affiliated researcher and filmmaker, Mohammad Mehdi Dezfuli, highlighted the under-representation of the 1980s in the history of the Islamic Revolution. “Much of the turmoil we face today can be traced back to the revolution’s early decade,” he remarked. This was a decade marked by widespread atrocities, including the 1988 massacre where over 30,000 political prisoners were executed under Ruhollah Khomeini’s directive.

This chilling event, particularly the execution of supporters of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), has seen escalating attention globally.Recently, a Swedish court sentenced a former Iranian prison guard to a 20-year term for his involvement in the massacre.  This recognition has sparked international jurists and human rights advocates to compile evidence for the indictment of top regime officials, such as president Ebrahim Raisi and supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Their alleged involvement in the massacre was a central theme at the Free Iran 2023 World Summit.

Ebrahim Raisi and Ali Khamenei are both of them involved in the 1988 massacre. Their alleged involvement in the massacre was a central theme at the Free Iran 2023 World Summit.

Dezfuli shared his perspective on Khomeini’s post-Mersad message about the Mojahedin, suggesting its timely delivery prevented further historical scrutiny. He also raised the longstanding debate over the magnitude of the executions. “There’s been nearly 35 years of debate on why the number of executions was what it was…If history isn’t narrated correctly, issues arise,” Dezfuli noted.

However, Dezfuli’s comments are symptomatic of the regime’s mounting predicament. The increasing focus on the 1988 massacre, primarily propelled by the Justice Movement of the Iranian Resistance, has put the regime on the defensive. Several officials have endeavored to minimize their participation, attributing the atrocity to others.

The MEK Resistance Units continue to play a pivotal role, regime officials are growing increasingly concerned about impending retribution.

Yet, the tide seems to be turning. As the movement for the prosecution of those involved gathers momentum and the MEK Resistance Units continue to play a pivotal role, regime officials are growing increasingly concerned about impending retribution. They also fear their failure to obliterate the PMOI and the group’s escalating youth recruitment.

Dezfuli and others are attempting to recast the narrative around the 1988 massacre to boost their diminishing morale. However, the regime’s actions, such as the recent issuance of a warrant for 104 PMOI members, only serve to shine a brighter light on its past misdeeds. Consequently, relatives of the 1988 massacre’s victims are globally uniting, pledging to present concrete evidence against the regime.

Ali Zu’algham, another regime expert at the book fair, emphasized the significance of Khomeini’s last-year messages. He observed the mounting criticism and attacks against both the past and present Supreme Leaders.

The 1988 massacre remains a powerful reminder of the regime’s brutal past and serves as a rallying cry for justice for countless Iranians worldwide.

It’s increasingly clear that the Iranian regime, teetering on a precipice, will soon have to answer for its actions. The collective memory of the 1988 massacre remains a powerful reminder of the regime’s brutal past and serves as a rallying cry for justice for countless Iranians worldwide.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu