HCHR_Kazem Gharibabadi, the Acting Head for International Affairs of the Judiciary and the High Council for Human Rights and the Vice President for Legal and International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at the ceremony “Commemorating the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the first anniversary of the terrorist incident in Kerman Martyrs' Cemetery, and the unveiling of the Encyclopedia of 23,000 Martyrs of the Terror in the country”: “First of all, I would like to honor the memory of all the dear martyrs who, by sacrificing their blood, guaranteed the honor, independence, and territorial integrity of Iran”. He added: “I especially honor the pure soul of the glorious General and global Commander of the fight against terrorism, Martyr General Soleimani. The pure blood of these high-ranking martyrs has played a remarkable role in maintaining international peace and security and curbing the insane violence of terrorism, especially in the West Asian region”.
Pointing out that combating terrorism has been in the spotlight of the world for years and is more important today than ever, Gharibabadi added: “Iran, as a country with a rich history and great culture, has always faced various challenges, but one of the biggest challenges it has faced ever is terrorism and its consequences. Terrorism is a phenomenon that directly threatens the security and stability of the world and causes humanitarian and political crises on a global level. Iran has not only been a victim of this phenomenon, but it is also one of the first countries to pioneer the fight against terrorism on a regional and global level”.
The lords of power have turned terrorism, like human rights, into one of their foreign policy tools
Gharibabadi noted: “It is a shame and regret that some lords of power have turned terrorism, like human rights, into one of their foreign policy tools. Such an approach has caused terrible damage in many parts of the world, and sometimes, given the unknown boundaries of terrorism, the fire of this sedition has even reached its founders. For these countries, terrorism simply refers to anything that threatens their interests and those of their allies. It is quite natural for them to call resistance against occupation and apartheid as Terrorism, while sheltering and protecting branded terrorists whose hands are stained with the blood of thousands of innocent citizens.
The Acting Head of the High Council for Human Rights reminded: “This double standard on the issue of terrorism has led to the downfall of more and more claimants who have a long history of moral speeches towards other countries. How can one see the pain and suffering of the women and children of Gaza in the largest camp in the world and remain silent? It is shameful that the claimant countries are not only silent in the face of this great crime, but are actively engaged in defending and supporting the racist regime of Israel with financial and arms media, and even more shameful is that they call the resistance groups who are fighting in their land against the occupation and for self-determination, as terrorists. The people of the world will not forget that these countries welcomed the world's greatest terrorist into their assemblies and gave it a standing ovation”.
Countering terrorism, although difficult, is vital
Gharibabadi emphasized: “Due to the presence of actors who do not hesitate to invest in terrorism and the worst terrorists in order to secure their illegitimate interests, countering terrorism is difficult, however, it is vital. In such an unfavorable environment and in a situation where the entire Middle East was on the verge of falling into the abyss of ISIS Takfiri terrorism, Martyr General Soleimani took command of a movement that pursued the defense of victims of terrorism regardless of race, religion, and nationality. Martyr Soleimani and his fellow martyrs are enlightening legends whose struggle will not be forgotten.
The Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued: “Since its establishment, due to its independent policies in the international arena, the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced various organized and foreign-backed threats, including war and sanctions, as well as targeted assassinations of influential figures and high-ranking officials, as well as group and blind assassinations of ordinary citizens. Over the past four decades, more than 23,000 innocent people have been martyred by various terrorist groups. Applying double standards against Iran in combating terrorism is clear. For example, the MKO group, responsible for the assassination of thousands of Iranian citizens, now has official offices in some European and American countries”.
He continued: “Instead of trial or extradition of the terrorists, these countries have placed the core personnel and senior officials of the terrorist groups under full political, financial, and security support. Purifying terrorists and using them as tools has become a tradition and habit for these governments, to the extent that they have placed yesterday's criminals in the position of human rights advocates and used them as a source for human rights rapporteurs’ reports against the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
Iran considers protecting the rights of its citizens against terrorism as its inherent duty
Gharibabadi pointed to the politicization of the Western countries and said: “Regardless of this politicization, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers protecting the rights of its citizens against terrorism as its inherent duty. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the first countries that, by creating appropriate structures, has been able to effectively stand against the threat of terrorism and has put the implementation of justice in relation to terrorist elements and effective dealing with the roots of terrorism on its agenda. We are determined to confront terrorism against our citizens and to hold the main perpetrators and supporters accountable. We are also grateful for the sacrifices of the martyrs of terror and we honor the patience and perseverance of their families.
He noted: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will not allow terrorists to freely move around in the safe haven of the host countries and lead or commit their terrorist operations. We will use all capacities to confront the impunity of terrorists and invite any interested country for cooperation in this regard”.
Gharibabadi continued: “Terrorism is not only a threat to specific countries, but also to the entire global community, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, in direct cooperation with countries at the regional and international levels, has always sought to expand joint cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism is a phenomenon that requires a collective response and global solidarity”.
Hopefully, with joint efforts, a day will come when no country will witness terrorism-based violence again
Gharibabadi referred to the updated list of martyrs of terror and noted: “The unveiling of the updated list of victims and martyrs of terror in the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of the assassination of the symbol of resistance and the fight against terrorism, Martyr Soleimani, is a valuable opportunity to pay tribute to all victims of terror, heroes of the fight against terrorism and their survivors. With their sacrifice in various domestic, regional and international arenas, these martyrs have brought security, stability, national pride and dignity to Iran, Iranians and the people of the region. I hope that with joint efforts, in near future no country will witness terrorism-based violence again.
The ceremony was attended by Mohammad Javad Hasheminejad, Secretary General of the Habilian Foundation, Iraj Masjedi, Deputy Coordinator of the IRGC's Quds Force, and Hojat al-Islam valMuslimin Mousavi Moghadam, the Supreme Leader's representative at the Martyrs' Foundation, as well as a group of families of martyrs of terror and martyred diplomats, as well as a group of officials, ambassadors, and representatives of foreign countries.
On the sidelines of this ceremony, the unveiling of the encyclopedia of 23,000 martyrs of the country's terror, prepared in both English and Farsi, and a photo exhibition of Western governments' support for anti-Iranian terrorist groups were also held.