In the summer of 1988, by Khomeini's order and through "Death Committees," thousands of political prisoners were executed across Iranian prisons. Victims were primarily members of the People's Mojahedin Organization and leftist groups who had already served or were serving their sentences.
Historical Context
After accepting UN Resolution 598 and ending the war, Khomeini issued a fatwa ordering the execution of all political prisoners deemed "enemies of God." Three-member committees were formed in Evin, Gohardasht, and prisons nationwide. In interrogations lasting mere minutes, prisoners were sentenced to death. Bodies were buried in mass graves at Khavaran and undisclosed locations. Families were often informed of their loved ones' executions weeks later.
Fun Facts
Hossein-Ali Montazeri, Khomeini's designated successor, protested the massacres and was subsequently dismissed. An audio recording leaked in 2016 revealed details of Montazeri's objections to the killings. Ebrahim Raisi was identified as a member of the Tehran Death Committee.
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