Over 300 experts warn of Iran repeating 1988 massacre with surging executions under Pezeshkian. UN urged to act against ongoing human rights crisis.
Iran Human Rights Society, Friday, July 25, 2025 – Iran’s escalating executions under President Masoud Pezeshkian signal a grave threat of repeating the 1988 massacre, where over 30,000 political prisoners perished. A coalition of over 300 international experts, jurists, and human rights advocates issued a stark warning on July 22, 2025, urging immediate global action. The UN Special Rapporteur’s July 2024 report labels these atrocities as ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide, amplifying the urgency to act. This article explores the crisis, its historical parallels, and the global call to prevent another tragedy.
Rising Executions Under Pezeshkian’s Administration
Since President Masoud Pezeshkian assumed office in July 2024, Iran has executed over 1,300 individuals, with 650 in 2025 alone. This unprecedented surge targets political dissidents, particularly supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Experts link this escalation to the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent following a regional ceasefire. For instance, on July 8, 2025, an editorial by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Fars News Agency glorified the 1988 massacre as a “successful experience” and urged its repetition. Such rhetoric fuels fears of a new wave of political executions.
Echoes of the 1988 Massacre
In 1988, Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa ordering the execution of thousands of political prisoners, primarily PMOI/MEK supporters. Estimates suggest 30,000 perished in a five-month period across 32 cities. Trials lacked legal authority, and many victims endured torture. The UN Special Rapporteur’s July 2024 report classifies these acts as crimes against humanity and genocide, noting their systematic nature. Today, similar patterns emerge. For example, three political prisoners—Farshad Etemadifar, Masoud Jamei, and Alireza Mardasi—face death sentences after enduring torture and fabricated charges of “enmity against God.”
Alarming Signals from Within Iran
Political prisoner Saeed Masouri, a key figure in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, smuggled a letter from Ghezel Hesar Prison. He warned, “A crime is unfolding. What is happening today is reminiscent of 1988.” Masouri revealed attempts to transfer him to a remote prison, a tactic he believes aims to isolate and silence dissidents. Furthermore, the regime’s judiciary has accelerated death sentences, with 74 executions reported between June 22 and July 22, 2025. Such actions suggest a deliberate strategy to eliminate opposition.
Prominent Voices Demand Action
Over 300 global figures, including Nobel laureates and former UN officials, signed the July 22 statement. Notable signatories include Dr. Joachim Rücker, former UN Human Rights Council President, and Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. They urge Dr. Mai Sato, UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to condemn these executions. Additionally, they call for the UN General Assembly to address the 1988 massacre in its resolutions. The Italian Federation for Human Rights and the Justice for Victims of the 1988 Massacre campaign (JVMI) also back this plea.
A Call to Break the Silence
The international community’s silence during the 1988 massacre enabled one of the 20th century’s worst atrocities. Today, experts warn against repeating this mistake. They demand sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for human rights violations and urge making the abolition of the death penalty a condition for diplomatic relations. Moreover, the European Parliament’s April 2025 resolution and the UN Special Rapporteur’s February 2025 letter highlight growing global concern. However, stronger action is needed to halt the regime’s campaign of repression.
Grassroots Resistance and Global Support
Inside Iran, political prisoners in 22 prisons stage weekly hunger strikes under the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign. This movement, supported by dissidents and human rights activists, aligns with Maryam Rajavi’s call to abolish the death penalty. Globally, 1,500 dignitaries across 78 countries have endorsed this cause. Nevertheless, the regime’s tactics, such as transferring prisoners to notorious execution sites like Qezel Hesar, escalate fears of a new massacre. The world must act swiftly to prevent history from repeating itself.
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