Kurdistan Human Rights Development Statement on the 36th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou

Dr Ghassemlou

On July 13, 1989, in Vienna, Austria, Dr Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, was assassinated alongside Abdullah Qaderi Azar and Fazil Rassoul during formal peace negotiations. This premeditated killing, carried out by agents of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was not an isolated act but part of a sustained campaign of extraterritorial repression targeting dissidents abroad.

Thirty-six years later, no justice has been delivered. Neither the assassins nor those who ordered the attack have been held accountable. The Austrian government failed in its duty to prosecute the suspects, releasing them despite clear evidence. International institutions, too, have remained silent, allowing a dangerous precedent of impunity that has fuelled further political assassinations and hostage-taking by the Iranian state across Europe.

We at Kurdistan Human Rights Development mark this anniversary by honouring the memory of Dr Ghassemlou and his colleagues and by issuing an urgent call to action:

1. No Statute of Limitations Applies

This crime constitutes a politically motivated extrajudicial killing and is not subject to statutory limitations under international law. The principle of “continuing crime” affirms that as long as the perpetrators remain protected, the pursuit of justice must continue.

We call on Austria, European governments, and UN bodies to reopen investigations and judicial proceedings on this basis.

2. Legal Responsibility of Iran and Austria

Austria’s release of suspects and subsequent inaction constitute violations of its obligations under international law, including anti-terrorism conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Islamic Republic of Iran has not only refused accountability but has rewarded those involved.

We demand that:

• Austria formally reopens the case and fulfils its legal duties.

• The Islamic Republic of Iran is held accountable through diplomatic pressure, legal measures, and targeted sanctions.

3. From Assassination to Hostage-Taking

The failure to respond to this political assassination emboldened the Iranian regime to expand its cross-border repression, including hostage diplomacy and further killings in Europe. This silence has had dire consequences for human rights defenders and dissidents.

We urge all democratic nations to recognise this pattern and take immediate steps to stop it.

4. Activate International Accountability Mechanisms

We specifically call for:

• Legal and political pressure on Austria to reopen proceedings.

• Use of universal jurisdiction by European courts to prosecute those responsible.

• Magnitsky-style sanctions on named Iranian officials involved in the assassination.

• Red Notices via Interpol to limit suspect movement.

• Investigation and formal reporting by UN bodies, including the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions and the Human Rights Council.

The inaction of the past 36 years has sent a message that the Islamic Republic can murder with impunity on European soil. This must end. We affirm that the memory of Dr

Ghassemlou remains alive, and so does the demand for justice.  Until the perpetrators are prosecuted, Austria acknowledges its failures, and Iran is held accountable, this crime will remain an enduring stain on international justice.

Kurdistan Human Rights Development

July 13,2025