IRAN; Call for Justice: The Case to Hold Ebrahim Raisi to Account for Crimes Against Humanity

Iran in 2021 is on the threshold of fundamental change. The clerics' Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, finds his regime increasingly weak and in jeopardy following a series of uprisings since 2017, systemic corruption, a bankrupt economy, and an explosive society. Faced with these realities, Khamenei has opted to close ranks and consolidate power in the hands of those absolutely loyal to him. Ebrahim Raisi, a notorious mass murderer, was handpicked by Khamenei, to take on the position of president of the regime.

In the summer of 1988, some 30,000 innocent men, women, and children were hanged in a matter of weeks. The majority of the victims (90%) were members or supporters of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Raisi was one of four members of the infamous death commission in Tehran. He has continued his role as Iran's henchman to this day, including overseeing the killing of 1,500 Iranian protesters in November 2019.

This manuscript makes the case for bringing Ebrahim Raisi to justice before an international tribunal for crimes against humanity.

His presidency is a litmus test for the international community: Will the West engage and deal with this genocidal regime, or stand with the Iranian people as they struggle to overthrow the theocracy, attain freedom and establish a democratic, secular and non-nuclear republic in Iran.