Justice for the victims of Iranian massacre

The Guardian - In the summer of 1988, thousands of political prisoners in Iran were brought before what later became known as "death committees" to answer one simple question: would they repent their past deeds and swear loyalty to the Islamic Republic of Iran?

Many said no, and were sent to the gallows without a trial and buried in a mass grave in a massacre that is still unknown to millions around the world. Some 5,000 to 7,000 prisoners were executed in less than three months (The mass murderers of 1988 now hold power in Tehran. The world must make them face justice, 10 June 2010).

We, families of the victims and survivors, have campaigned for 20 years for their voices to be heard and to bring the leaders of the Islamic Republic to account. From 18 to 22 June, up to 80 witnesses will participate in a hearing being held at Amnesty International's Human Rights Action Centre in London, to give witnesses a chance to record their testimony before a commission of inquiry.

The commission will report to a tribunal, modelled on the 1967 Russell Vietnam Tribunal, to be held on 25-27 October in The Hague. The tribunal will consist of five to seven "judges", drawn from various professions and areas of public life. While the tribunal's decision will have no legal validity, it will carry moral weight. We hope that finally, one day, the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be brought to justice for this massacre.
Mersedeh Ghayedi Sister of two victims
Ladan Bazargan Sister of a victim
Susan Gholmoammadi Wife of a victim
Esmat Vatandost Mother and sister of five victims
Sahar Mohamadi Daughter of a victim
Nina Toobaei Sister of a victim
Leila Ghalabani Sister of two victims
Roya Rezaie Jahromi Sister of four victims
Hossein Hosseinjani Moghadam Brother of a victim
Mokhtar Salavand Brother of a victim
Nina Servastani Sister of a victim
Hedieh Shamsi Sister of a victim
www.irantribunal.com