On July 1, 2024, at the Free Iran 2024 World Summit – Day 3 hosted at the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) headquarters in Paris, former EU Court of Justice Judge Valerius Ciuca delivered an impassioned speech.
1. Dr. @Valerius_Ciuca, Former Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, Calls for International Justice for Iran's Human Rights Abuses #MaryamRajavi4FreeIran #FreeIran2024 https://t.co/cRPAMrWPiW
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) July 1, 2024
The full text of Judge Valerius Ciuca’s speech follows:
Dear friends and family members in France, last year when I was first invited to your gathering, I told you simply, do not be afraid, you are not alone. I repeat this central message, it is very important. Also, last year, I advocated for the most subtle way to universally address the issue of the great crimes committed almost daily in Iran. This issue can be resolved by creating an ad hoc tribunal for Iran’s crimes, similar to the models for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and I hope such a tribunal will also be established for Putin’s groups in Moscow.
They all hide behind the false justification that their countries are not members of the International Criminal Court. The ICC was formamentis created over a century ago, I say formamentis, so not in reality, but it was the dream of a great Romanian jurist, Vespasian V. Pella. It is his creation. He was not just a naturalist; he was a jurist of great universal stature. According to his model, even the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg was created.
That is why we, Romanian jurists committed to legal humanism and the interests of the victims, support such a model. Probably history is not very far from our period of affirmation. History will prove us right.
The word of this evening’s meeting for me consists of two sentences. The foundation of a democratic state is liberty, according to Aristotle. And moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice, according to Thomas Paine.
It is an honor to be here today among such esteemed defenders of human rights, freedom, and democracy. We gather in Paris, a city that has long been a beacon of liberty, to express our solidarity with the brave people of Iran who courageously demand these fundamental rights and freedoms.
The current situation in Iran is very, very serious. In the past thirty days, the Iranian regime has executed at least one hundred and three prisoners, a chilling testimony to the ongoing human rights violations and the regime’s blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life. These executions are not just statistics.
They represent the lives of individuals – sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers – each with dreams and hopes for a better future. Their deaths are an urgent reminder of the need for deeper international intervention and solidarity. We are here today to give voice to those who have been silenced and to amplify the calls for justice and freedom emanating from the streets of Iran. The Iranian people are not alone in their struggle. We stand with them, committed to supporting their quest for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The courage of the Iranian people is inspiring. Despite severe repression, arbitrary arrests, torture, and even execution, they continue to protest and demand change. They are a testament to the indomitable human spirit that aspires to freedom. It is our responsibility as members of the global community to support their efforts and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. To achieve this, I have structured five proposals from a rational and pragmatic perspective that I believe are acceptable:
- International Justice: As in my previous interventions, I believe today that the best way to achieve justice for Iranian prisoners is to create an ad hoc international tribunal for the political crimes committed by the regime against the opposition and those who have protested from 1988 to the present.
- Raising Awareness: We must continue to highlight the atrocities committed by the Iranian regime. Through media, social networks, and public discourse, we can ensure that the world does not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Iranian people.
- Supporting Political Change: Governments and international organizations must take a firm stance against human rights violations by the Iranian regime. This includes imposing targeted sanctions against those responsible for abuses and pressing for the release of political prisoners.
- Supporting Civil Society: We must support human rights defenders, journalists, and Iranian activists who risk their lives to expose injustice. This includes financial support, asylum for those in immediate danger, and platforms to amplify their voices.
- Promoting Democratic Values: Through education and cultural exchanges, we can help foster a deeper understanding of democratic principles and human rights in Iran. Providing the Iranian people with the knowledge and resources necessary is crucial for building a sustainable movement for change.
Today, we remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The situation of the Iranian people is not just an Iranian problem, just as the situation of the Ukrainian people is not just a Ukrainian problem; it is a global issue.
As long as part of our world suffers under tyranny, none of us can truly be free. Let us commit to this cause with renewed vigor and determination. Let us ensure that the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom are not in vain. Together, we can help pave the way for a future where the Iranian people can live in peace, dignity, and freedom.
Thank you very much.
