In a dramatic turn of events, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva, facing overwhelming international criticism and mounting pressure on the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

In a dramatic turn of events, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva, facing overwhelming international criticism and mounting pressure on the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This development marks a significant victory for human rights advocates and reflects the increasing influence of global public opinion on international diplomacy.

The decision to cancel the trip came in the wake of a powerful collective appeal, endorsed by 328 former world leaders, judges, Nobel laureates, UN officials, human rights and legal experts, as well as non-governmental organizations. The appeal condemned President Raisi’s actions and policies, amplifying the voices of those demanding accountability for the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses.

Notably, seven former world leaders joined the chorus of disapproval, calling on the UN to rescind Raisi’s invitation to Geneva. Swiss Members of Parliament Balthasar Glättli and Nicolas Walder also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to hold Raisi accountable for his alleged role in the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran.

On Monday, December 10, a legal petition was filed with the Swiss authorities, demanding the arrest of Ebrahim Raisi upon his arrival in Geneva. The petition accused him of crimes against humanity, specifically relating to the 1988 massacre, which claimed the lives of over 30,000 political prisoners, mainly members and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK).

Keystone-SDA, having scrutinized the petition, reported that it calls for a comprehensive investigation into Raisi for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity. The accusations include direct involvement in torture and extrajudicial executions during the 1988 massacre.

The petition, addressed to Swiss Federal Public Prosecutor Andreas Muller, urges the arrest and prosecution of the Iranian President.

Former political prisoners, now supporters of the Iranian Resistance residing in Switzerland, have personally attested to Raisi’s involvement in a commission responsible for the tragic fate of thousands of jailed opponents during the 1988 crackdown. This testimony has been pivotal in bolstering the case against him.

The cancellation of President Raisi’s trip to Tehran is seen as a direct response to the threat of legal action. This incident mirrors a similar situation in October 2021, when Raisi’s visit to Glasgow, Scotland, for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) was called off following a petition led by former Scottish MP Struan Stevenson and numerous human rights activists.

 In a related move, a formal petition was submitted to Chief Constable Iain Livingstone of Police Scotland, requesting a criminal investigation into President Raisi based on universal jurisdiction principles. A similar effort is underway with the Metropolitan Police.

Amidst this turbulent scenario, Iranians and supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Switzerland have organized a grand rally in Geneva on Wednesday, December 12. Their primary goal is to urge the international community to expel the clerical dictatorship from the UN. The rally aims to highlight Iran’s egregious human rights abuses and its involvement in global terrorism and regional warfare, despite facing 70 UN condemnations since 1981.

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