The report, grounded in extensive evidence and testimonies, draws attention to the brutal actions of the Iranian regime, particularly during the periods of 1981-1982 and the notorious 1988 massacre. The report highlights the legal complexities in applying the Genocide Convention to these mass killings. Traditionally, the convention protects national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups, excluding political opposition groups.

However, Rehman argues that opposition groups like the PMOI should not be easily excluded from being classified as a protected group due to their unique circumstances. He states: “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’.”

 

 

Religious Decree and Genocidal Acts

A crucial document cited in the report is the fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini, which ordered the execution of thousands of MEK members and supporters. This religious decree labeled the PMOI’s beliefs as religious transgressions, framing the group’s destruction as a divine mandate:

“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.”

 

 

Atrocity Crimes and Human Rights Violations

Rehman’s report emphasizes the extent of the atrocity crimes committed, substantiated by victims’ testimonials, documentary records, and civil society reports. The report states:

“The Special Rapporteur has received substantial evidence through testimonies from individuals, victims, and survivors, confirming the commission of large ‘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.”

 

 

Call for International Accountability

Given the difficulties in achieving justice within Iran, the report advocates for international mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. It proposes the use of universal jurisdiction by states to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for these crimes. Furthermore, Rehman 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.”

 

 

 

Conclusion

The UN Special Rapporteur’s report delivers a detailed and substantiated account of the genocidal acts and crimes against humanity committed by the Iranian regime against the PMOI. It underscores the ideological and political motivations behind these atrocities and highlights the urgent need for international accountability to ensure justice for the victims.

 

 

 

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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