UN experts support the investigation of the killings in Iran in 1988, Raisi’s role Reuters

Stephanie Nebehay

Geneva (Reuters)-The UN Human Rights Investigator in Iran called for an independent investigation into allegations of executions ordered by the country of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, and Chairman Ebram Resi played the role of Deputy Prosecutor in Tehran .

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Javaid Rehman said that his office had collected testimony and evidence over the years. If the UN Human Rights Council or other agencies conduct impartial investigations, it is prepared to share them.

He said he was concerned about reports that some “mass graves” were being destroyed as part of the continued cover-up.

“I think it’s time for Mr. Raisi to be the president and individual who we started investigating the events that took place in 1988. This is very important,” Lehman said from London, he said from London, and he taught Islamic law and international law.

He said that the investigation is in Iran’s interests and may put the family in trouble, adding: “Otherwise, we will have very serious concerns about the president and his historical role and reported role in these executions. “

Raisi’s office could not be reached for comment. The office of the spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary did not immediately comment. Iran’s United Nations delegations in New York and Geneva did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Raisi is a hardline judge who has been sanctioned by the United States in the past, including what the United States and activists say he participated in as one of the four judges who oversaw the 1988 killing. Amnesty International set the number of executions at approximately 5,000 and stated in a 2018 report that “the actual number may be higher”.

When asked about the allegations of his involvement in the killings, Lai Xi told reporters: “If a judge or a prosecutor defended the safety of the people, he should be praised…I am proud to be in every position I have insisted on defending human rights until now.”

Rahman said: “We have communicated with the Islamic Republic of Iran because we are worried that there is another policy to actually destroy the graves, or there may be some activity to destroy evidence of mass graves.”

“I will fight for justice,” he added.

Arrest, intimidation

Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani on August 3. He won this month’s election, and voters are indifferent to economic difficulties and political restrictions.

Rahman condemned what he called “deliberate and manipulative strategies to exclude moderate candidates and ensure the success of specific candidates.”

“Someone was arrested, reporters were prevented from asking specific questions about the background of the presidential candidate Mr. Raisi, and some were intimidated by any questions raised about his previous role and background.”

Iran has never admitted to mass executions under the leadership of the revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who died in 1989.

“The scale of the executions we heard means that this is part of the policy being implemented…not just one person,” Lehman said.

He said that there was also no “proper investigation” into the killing of protesters in November 2019, which was the bloodiest political turmoil since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

“Even according to conservative estimates, we can say that more than 300 people have been killed arbitrarily and extrajudicially, no one has been held accountable, and there is no compensation,” he said.

“Whether in the past or present, there has been widespread systemic impunity for serious violations of human rights in the country.”