Facts

• In 1988, the government of Iran massacred 30,000 political prisoners.

• The executions took place based on a fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

• Three-member commissions known as ‘Death Commissions’ were formed across Iran sending political prisoners who refused to abandon their beliefs to execution.

• The victims were buried in secret mass graves.

• The perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity.

• Since 2016, the names of nearly 100 ‘Death Commission’ members have been revealed. Many still hold senior positions in the Iranian judiciary or government. They include the current Chief Justice  of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, Supreme Leader   Ali Khamenei's choice in the 2021 presidential election.