Critics argue that an individual with Raisi’s controversial past, saturated with grave human rights violations, shouldn’t be permitted to address international stages. Rather, they advocate for his accountability, particularly for orchestrating the 1988 massacre where over 30,000 political prisoners in Iran met their demise.
The chilling 1988 event saw members and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) executed in numerous Iranian prisons, following a decree by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. As Tehran’s Deputy Prosecutor then, Raisi’s integral involvement is undeniable, having been part of Tehran’s “Death Commission” that oversaw this dark episode. This commission’s objective was clear: execute unyielding political prisoners. Even Khomeini’s successor, Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, lambasted Raisi, predicting that history would remember him and his colleagues as criminals.
Raisi’s gruesome endeavors in 1988 elevated his status in Khomeini’s eyes, leading him to several influential roles in the Iranian regime. Notably, his rhetoric in a 2019 speech, where he expressed intent to “cut off the entire hand” of the corrupt, further illustrates his blatant ruthlessness.
His judicial prominence culminated in 2018, when Ali Khamenei appointed him as Iran’s judicial head. This appointment can be traced back to Raisi’s role in the 1988 massacre, which played a crucial part in propelling him to the judiciary’s zenith after the countrywide 2018 uprising.
A mass murderer at the U.N. General Assembly. Ebrahim Raisi, one of the perpetrators of the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in #Iran, will address the UNGA on September 19. Raisi should not be allowed to address the U.N. General Assembly #ProsecuteRaisiNOW #UNGA pic.twitter.com/E6jl5HsRWg
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 18, 2023
However, this uprising in January 2018 also highlighted the regime’s brutality, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps violently quashed it. Within days, over 1,500 protesters were killed, and thousands imprisoned, all under Raisi’s watchful eye. His suppression tactics during subsequent uprisings, particularly in 2022, where more than 700 protesters died, further solidified his position, ultimately culminating in his presidency.
The urgency for an international probe into these severe human rights abuses is glaringly evident. Initiating this could set the stage for Raisi’s potential prosecution at the International Criminal Court. Failing to act only emboldens the Iranian regime, endangering countless innocent lives.
The onus now rests on Western policymakers to delve into the 1988 massacre and bring Raisi to account. Overlooking this duty risks compromising foundational human rights principles and further neglecting the victims of the 1988 tragedy. As guardians of justice, the international community must respond and ensure perpetrators like Raisi are held accountable.
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
