In July 2024, Professor Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, released his final report titled “Atrocity Crimes.” The report detailed executions in Iran during 1981-1982 and the mass killing of political prisoners in 1988, categorizing these acts as crimes against humanity and genocide.
The 1988 massacre, ordered by then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, resulted in over 30,000 political prisoner executions within months, primarily targeting members and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran.
Following the report’s release, the Iranian regime and its allies launched a coordinated campaign against Rehman through official channels and media. On August 24, 2024, Rehman participated in a conference titled “Crimes Against Humanity: Time for Accountability and an End to Impunity,” presenting his findings.
In response to intensified attacks, Rehman issued a statement rejecting accusations made by the regime. He emphasized his integrity and commitment to serving the Iranian people throughout his tenure as Special Rapporteur. Rehman also dismissed claims of receiving payment for attending the August 24 conference.
Rehman warned that the smear campaign against him was an attempt by Iranian authorities to evade accountability for their crimes. He urged the international community to focus on his report’s findings and recommendations, calling for justice and accountability for victims of atrocity crimes in Iran.
The complete statement from Professor Rehman is available here:
