This decision follows a fervent global backlash, particularly from the Iranian diaspora, and a legal complaint filed by supporters of the Iranian Resistance over Raisi’s alleged role in mass executions.
The announcement of Raisi’s planned participation in the forum had sparked worldwide outrage, leading to widespread protests in various cities. These demonstrations, organized by supporters of the Iranian Resistance, vehemently opposed Raisi’s presence at the event. Coinciding with the forum, a significant rally has been planned in Geneva by the Iranian Resistance.
Central to the controversy is Raisi’s alleged involvement with the “Death Committee,” responsible for the execution of over 30,000 political prisoners in 1988. Most victims were associated with the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK). In response to these allegations, three former political prisoners and PMOI supporters filed a legal complaint with Swiss authorities, seeking Raisi’s arrest and prosecution for crimes against humanity related to the 1988 massacre.
The complaint, directed at Swiss federal public prosecutor Andreas Muller, calls for Raisi’s arrest for his participation in acts of genocide, torture, extrajudicial executions, and other crimes against humanity. One plaintiff recounted a chilling interaction with Raisi, who allegedly confirmed the plaintiff’s death sentence upon learning of his PMOI support.
In parallel, an open letter to Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was sent, co-signed by former world leaders, Nobel laureates, and various human rights figures. The letter criticizes Raisi’s attendance at the UN forum, highlighting his alleged role in the 1988 massacre and his implication in recent violent suppressions, including the killing of protesters in 2019 and 2022, and a sharp increase in executions in Iran.
JVMI just sent @FilippoGrandi & @alain_berset an appeal co-signed by 328 former world leaders, judges, Nobel laureates, UN officials, human rights/legal experts & NGOs, denouncing Ebrahim Raisi's planned participation in the 2023 Global #RefugeeForum in Geneva#1988Massacre #Iran pic.twitter.com/B3oJAN5BLj
— Justice for the Victims of 1988 Massacre in Iran (@jvmifoundation) December 12, 2023
The letter also accuses Raisi’s government of extending its suppression tactics beyond Iran’s borders, targeting PMOI members through show trials in absentia. The petition strongly asserts that the UN should not tarnish its reputation by associating with an individual accused of severe human rights violations.
Agence France Press reports indicate that, following these developments, the UN confirmed regime Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian would lead the Iranian delegation, suggesting Raisi’s withdrawal from the trip. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees later affirmed this change to the Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA.
While the Iranian regime has not officially linked Raisi’s cancellation to the legal complaint, it appears increasingly likely that concerns over his alleged criminal past influenced the decision. This turn of events echoes a recent Swedish court verdict sentencing former prison guard Hamid Noury to life imprisonment for his role in the 1988 massacre, setting a precedent for prosecuting others involved, including Raisi and Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
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
