Aadel Collection
Human Rights Questions: Human Rights Situations and Reports of Special Rapporteurs and Representatives — Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
UNITED
NATIONS
General Assembly
Distr.
GENERAL
A/49/514/Add.2
4 November 1994
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
Forty-ninth session
Agenda item 100 (c)
HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS: HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS AND
REPORTS OF SPECIAL RAPPORTEURS AND REPRESENTATIVES
Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Note by the Secretary-General
Addendum
After having finalized his report to the General Assembly at its
forty-ninth session, the Special Representative of the Commission on Human
Rights on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran received
a letter dated 24 October 1994 from the Permanent Representative of the Islamic
Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office at Geneva, transmitting further
replies of that Government to the allegations of human rights violations and
comments of a general nature contained in his memorandum dated 29 July 1994 and
reproduced in chapter III of the main part of his report. The replies of the
Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran are reproduced in the annex to the
present note.
94-43423 (E) 161194 /. .
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ANNEX
Letter dated 24 October 1994 from the Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office
at Geneva addressed to the Special Representative of the
Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in
the Islamic Republic of Iran
With reference to the memorandum dated 29 July 1994, I have the pleasure to
enclose herewith the replies forwarded by the authorities concerned in the
Islamic Republic of Iran.
It is noted that some of the allegations in the said memorandum have also
been included in the earlier reports, to which comprehensive replies have been
provided for your consideration.
Furthermore, the issues related to the murder of Christian pastors and the
bombing of religious shrines, for which you have received separate information
in the letters dated 4 October 1994, have also been included in this reply. As
the Special Representative has underlined the principle that observation of
human rights is not only a responsibility of Governments, but groups and
individuals as well, it is expected that the matter will receive appropriate
reaction in his observations and conclusions.
( Signed ) Sirous NASSERI
Ambassador
Permanent Representative
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APPENDIX
Response of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to
the allegations of human rights violations and comments of a
general nature contained in chapter III of the main part of
the interim report by the Special Representative
A. Right to life
A/49/514, paragraph 14
In the past, the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided detailed and logical
explanations to the Special Representative about alleged disregard of right to
life in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nevertheless, it is necessary to point
out that States Members of the United Nations have not been barred from
resorting to capital punishment. Furthermore, no international human rights
instrument to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party, has forbidden
capital punishment. Meanwhile, in the Islamic Republic of Iran the death
penalty is limited to the ‘most serious” crimes as recognized in article 6 of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. a/ Obviously, the
Special Representative could not and may not be considered as the sole authority
for interpretation of the extent and breadth of its application. There is a
vagueness and lack of substantiated evidence and cases in the alleged “improper
application of the guarantees of due process of law”. In this regard it should
be emphasized that due process of law is guaranteed in the laws and regulations
of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Appropriate and sufficient care is given by
the supervisory bodies in the Judiciary to ensure that verdicts issued by courts
of law are in compliance with the legal procedures and provisions of
international human rights covenants. Apropos of the administration of certain
punishments, including capital punishment in public, it is important to point
out that the policy of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to
abstain from that type of punishment, in order to ensure social and
psychological well-being and to preserve the respect and dignity of the
convicts' family members and relatives. Meanwhile, this type of punishment is
rarely resorted to, owing to the magnitude and seriousness of the terrorizing
crimes, and upon the demand of the emotionally injured people, who request
public punishment for the criminals. Therefore, capital punishment is minimal
and is administered only on an extremely exceptional basis, limited to few
cases.
Paragraph 15
They were charged and prosecuted for violent public disturbance, armed
threat and abduction of people, stealing of public property, rape, and bullying
and battering helpless women and children. They were tried and, owing to the
extent and seriousness of their crimes, which gave rise to public hatred and
abhorrence, were sentenced to public punishment. Other accusations cited in
this paragraph, such as leaving their corpses hanging for hours, are baseless.
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Paragraph 16
They were convicted for premeditated murder, adultery and rape and
sentenced to death in January 1994. This verdict was confirmed by the Supreme
Court and carried out on 1 February 1994. The alleged lapidation or hanging in
public have no basis in reality.
Paragraphs 17 and 18
Since only the name of an individual is declared, it will not be possible
to investigate this allegation. The Special Representative is requested to
provide more information such as date of birth, full name and surname, father's
name, place of birth or residence, etc. This information is necessary for a
proper investigation.
Paragraph 19
Mr. Feizollah Makhoubat was arrested last year on charges of espionage and
sabotage and after trial was sentenced to death in accordance with the law. The
sentence was consequently carried out on 17 February 1993. His corpse was then
buried in a Jewish Cemetery according to Jewish faith. Considering the above
facts, all the allegations cited in this paragraph are denied. Allegations are
expected to be substantiated with the necessary evidence and proof.
Paragraph 20
The mere provision of the name of the said individual is not sufficient for
the necessary investigation to be carried out. As has been justifiably and
repeatedly requested in the past, the Special Representative is requested to
provide more information such as date of birth, full name and surname, father's
name, place of birth or residence, etc. This information is necessary for due
investigation.
Paragraph 21
Since these allegations lack the necessary evidence and information, they
cannot be construed as reliable.
Paragraph 22
The individual mentioned was charged with adultery with married men and
being involved in organizing a web of prostitution. She was tried and sentenced
to death by the court. The verdict was implemented on 1 March 1994 in prison.
There is no truth in the alleged lapidation or public execution.
Paragraph 23
Since this allegation lacks the necessary specific information, it cannot
be investigated and is not reliable.
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Paragraph 24
This report is confirmed. The individual in question had reached legal age
and the verdict was implemented in accordance with due judicial process.
Paragraph 25
Messrs. I. Jafari, H. Dad-Ban and S. Rezai were found guilty of armed
robbery of public property and rape and were sentenced to death. The verdict
was implemented on 13 July 1994 upon its approbation by the Supreme Court.
Messrs. M. H. Ansari and A. Shamsse were found guilty of murder, frequent drug
trafficking and terrorizing people. The court verdict condemning them was
carried out in July 1994 following confirmation by the Supreme Court.
Paragraph 26
This report is confirmed. The individual in question had reached legal age
and the verdict was carried out following due judicial process.
Paragraph 27
Since the information, facts and evidence relating to the serial crimes
committed by the terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization, including the bomb
blast in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.) and the assassination of
Iranian Christian clerics, are interrelated and complementary, the explanations
regarding this paragraph and paragraphs 28, 29, 30 and 62 are provided under
paragraph 80, section J, below.
Paragraph 28
Please refer to paragraph 80, section J, below.
Paragraph 29
Please refer to paragraph 80, section J, below.
Paragraph 30
The fatwa of the late Imam Khomeini is a religious issue which is of
concern to all Muslims and accepted throughout the Muslim world. The statement
referred to in the report is merely a publication of segments of the ‘Popular
Basij”, which attempts to explain the principle of fatwa in general in Islamic
jurisprudence. Therefore, any attempt to attribute this statement to the
Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran or ask for an explanation from the
Government has no basis in the reality of the situation.
Paragraphs 31, 32 and 33
The Islamic Republic of Iran does not have any information regarding the
murder of the persons concerned. However, since protection of life, property
and dignity of citizens of other countries is the responsibility of the
Government of the country of residence, the Government of the Islamic Republic
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of Iran, for its part, is contesting the cases referred to above and, as a
beneficiary, requests the relevant countries to carry out appropriate
investigations and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes. Furthermore, the
relevant authorities and organs of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready to
extend their full cooperation in identifying instigators of such acts of
terrorism. Some experts believe the terrorist organizations have carried out
such operations in territories of those countries, with the twofold objectives
of eliminating the disenchanted elements and disrupting the relations of the
Islamic Republic of Iran with the concerned countries. Therefore, the false
claim that elements are acting on behalf of Iranian officials involved in such
crimes is nothing but a mere ‘complementary tactic aimed at damaging the
reputation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its foreign relations”.
Paragraph 34
It should be noted that the reply to this matter was provided under
paragraph 24 in the addendum to the 1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1, appendix,
page 7) . Furthermore, cooperation in this regard should take place in the
context of bilateral arrangements for judicial cooperation. The Islamic
Republic of Iran has forwarded a proposal in this regard which would enable each
side to discharge its undertakings within a mutually accepted legal framework.
The Islamic Republic of Iran awaits the response by the Swiss authorities so
that agreements may be concluded as soon as possible and mutual cooperation
fully realized.
Paragraph 35
Before completion of a minimum inquiry by relevant French authorities and
before a fair verdict is announced, any comment on or claim in this regard would
be unfounded. As has been stated many times, the Islamic Republic of Iran did
not interfere in this affair in any way, and rejects the speculative allegations
levelled in this regard. Unfortunately the said member of the Islamic Republic
of Iran's Embassy in Bern, although innocent, has been detained for a long time,
contrary to legal procedures. Please refer also to explanations provided
regarding paragraphs 31, 32 and 33.
B. Enforced or involuntary disappearances
Paragraph 36
Many cases included in the list transmitted by the Working Group on
Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances of the Commission on Human Rights lack
necessary information. The said Group has been requested to furnish
complementary information, enabling the relevant authorities and organs in the
Islamic Republic of Iran to conduct thorough investigations into these cases.
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C. Right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman
or degrading treatment or punishment
Paragraph 37
The accusations and allegations of inflicting torture and degrading
treatment or punishment, which have been invented in the case of
Mr. F. Makhoubat, are categorically rejected. Levelling such allegations
without any supportive documents or evidence not only fails to conform to legal
standards, but also calls into question the very legal merits of their sources.
Paragraph 38
Since this allegation lacks the necessary specific information, it cannot
be investigated and does not seem reliable.
Paragraph 39
In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine , dated 3 August 1994, the
person in question has unequivocally confessed to collaboration with American
and Iraqi agents in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This confession not only
clarifies his previous actions, but is also a valid criterion to assess the
validity of his other statements. His numerous contradictory press
fabrications, self-explanatory as they are, could be caused by financial motives
or thirst for fame.
Paragraphs 40 and 41
The cases mentioned relate to principles of Islamic law and which are
believed by all the Muslims across the world. In the Islamic Republic of Iran,
all punishments are based on Islamic-Constitutional law, and the country is
opposed to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishments. The verdicts of punishments
are issued in accordance with the law and Constitution of the Islamic Republic
of Iran.
Paragraph 42
The individual in question was tried according to her confession. She was
charged with public manifestation of intoxication with alcohol, public
disturbance, unlawful sexual relations and perverting some young people.
Following due legal process, she was punished according to the sentence of the
court.
Paragraph 43
Levelling allegations of a general nature and without specific information
on the cases, cannot be reliable. Meanwhile, it should be emphasized that all
litigants have the right to appoint an attorney for their defence.
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D. Administration of justice
Paragraph 44
The laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran guarantee the
right of the accused to benefit from the services of an attorney. In cases
where the accused is unable to hire an attorney, the relevant court is obliged
to appoint an attorney (court-appointed attorney) for him or her. In the
Islamic Republic of Iran, all those accused have ample time to prepare their
defence and to defend themselves. If they object to their arrest, they can file
their objection with the court. According to the Constitution of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, trials are open to the public. The laws of Iran also
guarantee open trials. All courts in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including
revolutionary and other courts, act according to the said laws and regulations.
Any violation of these regulations is prosecuted by the Disciplinary Court.
Paragraph 45
According to amendment 18 of Islamic penal law, ratified in 1991, the
duration of pretrial detention shall be precisely calculated and deducted from
the total term of imprisonment of the convict. Regarding the unlimited
prolongation of the detention period before trial, please refer to the response
to paragraph 134 of the 1992 report (E/CN.4/1993/41, para. 135) . The claim of
denial to the accused of access to friends and relatives represents a distortion
of the facts; visitation controls are sometimes necessary requirements for a
careful and fair trial. According to article 171 of the Constitution of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, if any violation of these provisions results in
psychological damage to the accused, the latter has the right to seek and
receive indemnification.
Paragraph 46
The overwhelming majority of the judicial authorities in the Islamic
Republic of Iran hold a bachelor's or higher degree in law. Owing to
consideration that “Islamic law' is the main source of “Iranian law”, it is
necessary to employ Islamic jurists in the judicial system of the Islamic
Republic of Iran. Accordingly, one fourth of the total number of judges are
specialists in Islamic jurisprudence. Besides their education in Islamic Law, a
great number of them have received university degrees. Moreover, skills in
contemporary law and completion of enhanced training programmes are a
prerequisite to sit on the bench. The agreement of judges is required for their
transfer as stipulated in article 164 of the Constitution. Taking into
consideration the facts stated above, the claims in this regard are undoubtedly
baseless.
Paragraph 47
The head of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran has the
administrative position in this branch and does not interfere in judicial
deliberations and decisions. According to law, judges enjoy total freedom and
independence in their deliberations and decisions of court cases. It is natural
to accept that decisions are subject to appeal by the Supreme Court within the
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framework of the judiciary process. The Chief Justice is the Chairman of the
first Chamber of the Supreme Court and one of its members. His only difference
in comparison with other judges of the Supreme Court is his responsibility to
refer cases to different chambers and to organize the affairs of the Court.
Taking this information into consideration, the claims in this regard lack any
credibility.
Paragraph 48
Such claim is not only groundless, but is also an indication of ignorance
of its inventors. Islamic law and its principles are the main source of the
civil codes of the Islamic Republic of Iran and commonality and coordination
between the two is quite interesting. Therefore, in practice, the possibility
of contradiction between civil law and Islamic principles is precluded.
Paragraph 49
An independent bar association exists in the Islamic Republic of Iran and
enjoys all rights, including guaranteed free functioning.
Paragraph 50
Such claims contradict the present situation in and condition of the
prisons. The efforts of prison authorities to improve living conditions in
jails and to move towards a more idealistic standard in all levels have been
reported by the main media and brought to the attention of the public. Please
refer to the reply to paragraph 45 in the addendum to the 1993 report
(A/48/526/Add.1, appendix, p. 8)
Paragraph 51
This claim is a repetition of paragraph 42 of the 1993 report with little
difference in the wording and sentence structure. While denying the allegation
once again, we refer to the response to this paragraph in the addendum to the
1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1, appendix, p. 8)
Paragraph 52
This claim is baseless. All arrests in the city of Mashhad were made on a
temporary basis and according to warrants by the courts. After preliminary
investigations those found to be innocent were speedily released. The claim of
the imprisonment of 283 people is clearly baseless.
Paragraph 53
The arrest of bandits and smugglers should not be considered as the
violation of human rights; moreover, because of the need to protect the rights
of citizens, including the right to life of those who are the gradual victims of
drugs, it should be actually supported. Claims regarding demonstrations etc. in
Tehran are unfounded and the result of fanciful theories. It is not clear why
such fabrications are set forth in this paragraph together with objection to the
arrest of bandits and smugglers.
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Paragraph 54
The claims are the result of unreal and distorted news, mixed and related
in a spiteful way, manifesting contradiction in their nature. It has been
claimed that the Basiji Forces were sent to guide the violators but it was also
pointed out immediately that they punished them. While there is a big
difference between guidance and punishment, we would like to emphasize that in
the Islamic Republic of Iran only courts of justice are legally allowed to
impose punishment on wrongdoers.
Paragraph 55
This claim is refuted. The individuals in question were summoned to the
court and after a brief hearing were set free.
Paragraph 56
According to article 5 of the Law on establishing General and Revolutionary
Courts, ratified on 6 July 1994, and articles 4 and 6 of the Administrative Code
of the said Law, ratified on 16 July 1994, the Chamber of Revolutionary Courts
shall be established in Centre of Provinces or areas and its exigencies
determined by the head of the Judiciary. In the said Law and its Administrative
Code there is no mention of any increase in the Revolutionary Courts, but the
establishment of such courts shall be controlled and limited to the Centre of
Provinces and a few other areas whose exigencies shall be discerned by the head
of the Judiciary. Since article 34 of the Administrative Code regarding the
establishment of General and Revolutionary Courts voids all other contradictory
Codes and Circulars, the authenticity of the claim is refuted.
E. Freedom of speech and expression and status of the press
Paragraph 57
Article 24 of the Constitutional Law and the Law of the Press, ratified in
1985, guarantees the publication and freedom of the press. The latest
statistics in this regard indicate that a total number of 448 newspapers and
magazines and more than 200 bulletins are published in the Islamic Republic of
Iran. Besides, other statistics show 170 new publications in 1991, i.e., five
times more than in 1979, which is in itself a denial of the claim in this
regard. Moreover, it should be emphasized that none of the cases of bankruptcy
claims are due to speculative causes such as self-censorship, censorship, paper
shortage, etc. Even on the assumption of true bankruptcy, it must be pointed
out that the ratio in comparison with publishers and publications who remain in
business is quite low. Besides, such cases are not exclusive to the Islamic
Republic of Iran, because recent statistics indicate bankruptcy of newspapers
and publications in many countries around the world.
Paragraph 58
The person in question has been arrested and is now in detention on charges
of espionage, acts against the moral health of society, including drug
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possession and use, slander and participation in plots of the Shah's regime
against the Iranian nation. At present, the individual is in good physical and
psychological condition.
Paragraph 59
The person in question is arrested and now in detention on charges of
espionage, acts against the moral health of society, including drug possession
and use. This individual is at present in good physical and psychological
conditions.
Paragraph 60
Religious scholars and jurists freely express their jurisprudential
comments and decrees in the framework of freedom of expression. This even
happens in circumstances where some of these decrees and comments are different
from the national laws and regulations. The inclusion of this fatwa in the
report, and the implication that the court should have suppressed or prevented
its assistance, is in itself a clear disregard by the report and its author for
freedom of expression as well as for other civil and political rights of an
eminent personality like Grand Ayatollah Araki. The legislative debate by the
representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) in these
circumstances is a reflection of the wishes of the majority of their
constituencies.
F. Freedom of religion and the status of the Baha'i community
Paragraph 61
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the civil code and
government practice provide very broad freedom for members of recognized
religious minorities, including the applicability of their canon law to their
personal and communal affairs as well as reserved seats in the Parliament. Even
though minorities can enrol in regular schools, they also have their own private
schools. In these schools, which are financially supported by the Ministry of
Education, minorities read their language and practice their own religion. All
this is indicative of the fact that followers of minority religions enjoy full
legal rights. Therefore, the allegations presented in this paragraph concerning
restrictions on freedom of belief have no base in reality.
Paragraph 62
Please refer to paragraph 80, section J, below.
Paragraph 63
The allegation of the arrest of the individuals referred to is without any
foundation.
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Paragraph 64
While refuting the allegations in this paragraph, it should be mentioned
that all churches are established and operate in accordance with the law of the
land. It goes without saying that any establishment created by fraudulent
groups and the misuse of the names and titles of respected religious centres are
not entitled to legal protection.
Paragraph 65
The claims in this paragraph are rejected. It should be emphasized that
all religious minorities enjoy all the rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Paragraph 66
While rejecting these claims, it should be pointed out that bringing up
such an issue results from lack of attention to the reply to paragraph 58 in the
addendum to the 1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1, appendix, p. 12)
Paragraphs 67, 68 and 69
The case is being investigated by the appropriate authorities. At the same
time, any complementary information in this regard would be appreciated.
Paragraph 70
Clear and precise information rejecting the fabricated allegations has been
given in the answer to paragraph 54 in the addendum to the 1993 report
(A/48/526/Add.1, appendix, p. 11) . Please refer to this reply.
Paragraph 71
The answer to the claims on ownership rights has been clearly given in the
reply to paragraph 55 in the addendum to the 1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1,
appendix, p. 12) . Please refer to this reply. Other claims in this paragraph
have been examined and been found groundless. It is also useful to refer to the
reply to paragraph 56 in the addendum to the 1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1,
appendix, p. 12)
G. Status of women
Paragraph 72
These allegations are fabrications and have been replied to under
paragraphs 59, 61 and 65 in the addendum to the 1993 report (A/48/526/Add.1,
appendix, pp. 10-11) . It is worth mentioning that article 28 of the
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides for freedom of employment
for all citizens. Moreover, in national employment legislation, there is no
regulation stipulating that the consent of husbands is required for the
employment of married women. According to article 180 of the Family Protection
Law, wives have the right to curb their husbands' occupations or careers legally
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if they feel that such occupations or careers constitute a danger to their
family life. The division in some public transport vehicles has been made upon
the request of those who mostly use them, and is not general practice.
Regarding women's participation in sports, it should be pointed out that every
morning national television airs women's morning exercises. This is indicative
of the amount of authenticity of the claim that women are prohibited from
participating in sports.
Paragraph 73
The claims are rejected. Some of the allegations are the result of
distorting sound and logical cultural particularities and mixing them with
fabrications. No school has imposed the chador (black attire) as the required
dress for girls. Women are free to select the dress of their choice. Covering
of the face in some parts of the province of Khoozestan stems from their culture
and the customs prevailing there for many centuries and there is no governmental
requirement for that observance.
Paragraph 74
Taking present realities into consideration, these claims are without
foundation. Separation of schools for boys and girls is an old tradition and is
not peculiar to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ratio of employed citizens
(men and women) is in conformity with the job market and economic factors.
Therefore, to expect a fixed employment rate over the past 15 years might well
be naive. Such an allegation means that objective realities in the Islamic
Republic of Iran have simply been neglected.
Paragraph 75
The authenticity of this claim is rejected.
Paragraph 76
According to the information received from the husband of the late
Dr. Homa Darabi, she had had symptoms of a psychological disorder for some time.
Gradual increase in these symptoms resulted in her unfortunate suicide. The
allegation is therefore not true and should be refuted.
Paragraph 77
The allegation of the assassination of Ms. Zohreh Izadi is totally baseless
and stems from a biased fabrication. The said individual committed suicide as a
result of family problems. Before that, she had informed her friends of her
intention. At the time of the attempt, she injured seriously some of those
present at the scene.
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H. Political rights
Paragraph 78
The claim that a gathering of the Freedom Movement of Iran was dispersed by
violent means in early 1994 by people supportive of the Government is baseless
and therefore rejected.
I. The imprisoned
Paragraph 79
In its reply to the Special Representative's report of 1992 the Islamic
Republic of Iran answered allegations regarding the following persons:
Khalil Akhlaghi, Naser Arabha, and Ali Solaymani. The Special Representative
should therefore present his reasons for his failure to take these replies into
account and for his decision simply to repeat the same allegations in his
1994 report. In its reply to the Special Representative's report of 1993, the
Islamic Republic of Iran has answered allegations regarding the following
persons: Morteza Afshari Rad, Abdollah Bagheri, Mohammad Hasan Basiji,
Naheed Dorood Yahi, Javad Ebrahimi, Abbas Amir Entezam, Mostafa Ghaderi,
Farhad Javian, Manoocher Karimzadeh and Salim Sawbernia. The Special
Representative should therefore present his reasons for his failure to take
these replies into account and for his decision simply to repeat the same
allegations in his 1994 report. Moreover, we need to know whether the answers
provided regarding other cases in 1994 will be duly considered or simply suffer
the same fate. On the other hand, had we answered the allegations contained in
this section of the 1994 report, would those answers have received due
consideration?
Mohammad Bagher Bourzooi was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and
indemnification of damages to public property, on charges of terrorist
activities and participation in procurement of weapons and ammunition. Upon
receiving a pardon from the leader, he was freed from prison.
After a thorough examination of the charges against
Mr. Manouchehr Karimzadeh by the court, he was condemned to 10 years'
imprisonment. On the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution on
11 February 1994, the above-mentioned individual was pardoned and released from
prison.
J. Terrorist activities
Paragraph 80
As mentioned earlier in connection with the reply to paragraph 27 (see
section A above), is an elaboration of the background of the Mojahedin Khalq
Organization (MKO) terrorist campaign against the people of the Islamic Republic
of Iran. In this connection it is noteworthy to refer to the information
provided in the letter of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran
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to the United Nations Office in Geneva dated 4 October 1994 regarding the
outcome of the careful investigations by law enforcement officers into the
recent labyrinthine atrocities instigated by MKO in the Islamic Republic of
Iran, including the bombing of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (P.B.U.H.) in
Mashhad on 20 June, and the assassination of Iranian Christian clerics.
It should be added here that Mr. Mohammed Seyyed-ol-Mohhadesin, a well-
known terrorist of the foreign relations of MKO, at a London gathering on
25 October 1992 of the members of the British branch of that organization,
declared:
“It's about 10 years that we have been establishing an internal command
center for directing the kind of operations such as the recent bomb
explosions you have witnessed in Iran . . .“
Another top MKO terrorist, Mr. Manuchehr Hezarkhani stated at the same
gathering:
“We have chosen the method of coercion to fight against the Islamic
Republic of Iran and dare to be called hotheads for that . . .“
Although these remarks were made from the heartbeat of world news -
London - and despite the plethora of prima facie evidence of the criminal nature
of MKO, they have been treated by certain international circles in a manner that
has cultivated and enhanced their zest for bloodshedding.
The abundance of facts, intelligence and even outspoken statements made by
MKO leaders and members, along with undeniable documents open to examination by
the relevant responsible international organizations, leave no doubt that
terror, torture and any inhuman action is considered valid and legitimate by the
rules governing MKO activities.
The recent ploy of MKO to create and fan religious division and hatred in
the Islamic Republic of Iran, had it not been foiled by the Government, could
have resulted in a widening circle of tragedy, spilling over into other
countries and endangering peace.
Notes
a/ Resolution 2200 A (XXI) , annex.
b/ Weekly Nimrooz (Farsi) , London, 8.8 1371 (Iranian calendar)
(corresponding to 30 October 1992)
c/ Ibid.
