THE GHASSEMLOU ASSASSINATION

Conspiracy theories implicating Iran and Austria still linger for three assassinations

By Solin Hacador: Kurdistan Tribune – 12.7.2013 – On July 13, 1989 Dr. Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, his assistant Abdullah Ghaderi Azar and Fadhil Rassoul were shot and killed while in Vienna with Iranian Delegating Representatives: Mohamad Jafar Sahraroudi, Hadji Mustafawi and Amir Mansur Bozorgian.

It is quite shocking Bozorgian Amir Mansur was released after 24 hours in police custody and allowed to take refuge in the Iranian Embassy in Vienna before he disappeared from Austria. The second assassin was escorted to the Vienna Airport by the Austrian police. The third assassin was never arrested. Unbelievably the three Iranian criminals were allowed to walk free! Notably, theories of a conspiracy between Austria and Iran still linger for these three assassinations.

An arrest warrant was not issued for the arrest of the Iranian Representatives until late November 1989. Later on the Austrian Government openly denounced the Islamic Republic of Iran for this triple assassination. It is quite clear that some important figures of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), such as IRI ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, were involved.

Dr. Ghassemlou’s was legally present in Austria and the Austrian Government was aware of this. It is known that international politicians are provided with high-security services as this is any state’s obligation and ‘duty of care’ to fulfil. Particularly inexcusable was the Austrian Government’s failure to direct provincial authorities to provide Dr. Ghassemlou and his assistance with security. It is quite clear from Dr. Ghassemlou’s assasination that he was denied equal rights with other international politicians.

It is unacceptable that Kurdish politicians are assassinated in Europe, miles away from their Land. Substantial evidence tells us of the neglect by European states towards Kurdish politicians who have been assassinated while fulfilling their jurisdictional duties. This neglect is considered as discriminatory treatment against Kurdish people.

Dr. Ghassemlou was the main brave and skilful politician pursuing Eastern Kurdistan’s rights and the freedom of Kurds in general. He dedicated his life to love, freedom, democracy and justice between fellow human beings. He attempted to abolish the Iranian State’s occupation in Eastern Kurdistan and to set up democracy for the rights of all Iranian people, including Kurds, Azeris, Blochs, Lurs, Turkmans, Arabs and Nomads.

In such a globally important region, Dr. Ghassemlou was a voice of freedom for Kurdistan and democracy in the Middle East. Much of his life was spent working for these values.The Iranian State was not happy about Dr. Ghassemlou’s successful struggle and wisdom. Therefore, they planned the assasination of Dr. Ghassemlou.

I hope that this horrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process. It is the jurisdictional responsibility of the Austrian authorities to arrest the Iranian official criminals. It is recommended that a ‘Fully Independent-Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ be established to investigate the political killings, disappearances and terrorism in Europe towards Kurds, in view of the backdrop of a history of political violence carried out with impunity.

Immortal Kurdish leader, Dr Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou and his fellows are alive in our hearts forever.