The 1988 Massacre – Seeking Justice

What was the 1988 massacre in Iran, and how many political prisoners were executed during this event?

The 1988 massacre in Iran was a horrifying event where over 30,000 political prisoners, were summarily executed in less than a few months in the final days of July 1988.

Who issued the fatwa that initiated the 1988 massacre, and what was the reason behind it?

Supreme Leader Khomeini issued the fatwa that initiated the 1988 massacre. He ordered the execution of all prisoners, labeling them as "waging war on God."

What unique challenges do the families and loved ones of the 1988 massacre victims face?

The families and loved ones of the victims have endured decades of agony without seeing justice served or receiving closure, constituting a longstanding injustice. They have faced threats, seen more loved ones disappear and have been harassed by the Intelligence Ministry to keep quiet. Many of them don't even know where their loved ones have been buried. Some of their family members have been arrested and are now imprisoned for seeking justice for their executed relatives, or being deprived from social and economic opportunities in society. The Iranian regime has tried to destroy burial sites and memorials, and building atop mass graves and in cases, they have tried to transform the sites into unrecognizable places. The regime has tried in vain to arrest, torture and give long detention to those seeking justice but they have failed.

How has ILA responded to the 1988 massacre and the lack of accountability for the perpetrators?

ILA has been at the forefront of advocating for justice and accountability. They expose the atrocities, raise awareness globally, fund legal initiatives for trials, offer support services to survivors, and work to prevent further human rights abuses. We work together with a many groups, families, survivors, media and dignitaries to bring justice and solace for the families and survivors.

What is the global recognition of the 1988 massacre's impact, and how has ILA capitalized on it?

The international community recognizes the 1988 massacre as a crime against humanity, raising concerns about the regime's brutal disregard for human rights. The campaign to seek justice for victims of the 1988 massacre has turned into a global and ongoing campaign until the perpetrators of these crimes will be brought to justice. ILA utilizes this recognition to foster global support and solidarity for the victims and survivors.

What distinguishes ILA's approach in providing support to the victims' families and survivors?

ILA offers holistic support, addressing the complex needs of families and survivors by providing legal, emotional, and advocacy support, recognizing the long-lasting impact of the tragedy. ILA by organising conferences and meetings allow families and survivors to witness about the crimes of the Iranian regime and bring its perpetrators to justice.

How does ILA collaborate with international human rights figures, and what impact does this collaboration have on their advocacy?

Respected human rights figures like Geoffrey Robertson QC, Tahar Boumedra, a former UN official, hundreds of International jurists, judges including International tribunals of war crimes have shown their support for this campaign at conferences and meetings organised and supported by ILA. These enhance the credibility and influence of our advocacy efforts, creating more pressure for change.

Can you elaborate on ILA's efforts to prevent further atrocities related to human rights abuses?

ILA sheds light on the regime's actions, demands accountability, and works to prevent future human rights abuses by raising awareness globally and advocating for justice.

What specific campaigns has ILA initiated to force accountability and bring the perpetrators to justice?

ILA organizes meetings, demonstrations, exhibitions, and media campaigns to raise awareness about the massacre, educating the public and fostering global support for the victims. They also fund legal initiatives for trials and provide platforms for survivors' voices to be heard. This includes a legal victory in Sweden where one of the perpetrators of the massacre, Hamid Nuri has stood trial and convicted for his direct involvement in carrying out hundreds of executions. ILA volunteers who are survivors of the massacre and those who have lost loved ones have brought more clarity through their interviews with mainstream media the world over, and some have testified in court.

How does ILA's pressure for change manifest in their campaigns, and can you provide an example?

ILA's campaigns have forced perpetrators to cancel international trips due to fear of arrest, demonstrating the power of collective action and the effectiveness of their advocacy efforts in pressuring for change. As a result of ILA's pressure and awareness campaigns which has exposed the crimes committed by Iranian regime's officials, we have managed to reduce the number of executions in Iran and prevented many of the perpetrators of travelling abroad.