Tehran, IRNA – On the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence that falls on October 2, families of terror victims in Iran have reiterated their calls on the international community to help bring to justice the terrorist groups responsible for taking the lives of their beloved ones. The following text by the Iranian human rights NGO, Habilian, takes a look at the demands of those families and what they expect the international community to do to ease their suffering.

October 2 marks the International Day of Non-Violence, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of India’s independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, who is also a symbol of peaceful resistance and civil disobedience.

The event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing non-violent methods to bring about change and justice.

While the focus is on promoting peace globally, it is crucial to consider the viewpoints of the people whose lives have been affected by acts of violence, particularly the families of the victims of terrorism.

The International Day of Non-Violence underscores the significance of peaceful means in resolving conflicts, advocating for human rights, and achieving social justice. It encourages nations and individuals to reflect on the principles of non-violence and to work towards a world free from aggression, hatred, and brutality.

However, the world is gripped by violence, and terrorism continues to take innocent lives, leaving a trail of pain, suffering, and grief. Iran, like many other nations, has been a target of terrorism, both domestically and internationally. Acts of terrorism by various groups, both inside and outside Iran, have inflicted unimaginable harm on Iranian civilians.

Some major groups responsible for acts of terrorism against Iranian citizens are Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), the Kurdistan Free Life Party known as PJAK, Jundallah, Jaish ul-Adl, the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA), the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), and Komala.

Bombings, assassinations, and attacks in Iran, targeting government officials and civilians as well as government buildings and military installations are among the crimes committed by these groups.

They have also been involved in armed conflict with Iranian security forces, causing casualties among Iranian military personnel and civilians. These groups have also abducted Iranian border guards, conducted an attack on a military parade, and carried out armed insurgencies against the Iranian government. Surprisingly, ringleaders of some of these terrorist groups are now freely operating in European countries and have official organizations.

On the International Day of Non-Violence, let us remember the families of terror victims, particularly those affected by the violent actions of groups like the MEK.

Their stories of loss, grief, and resilience serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of non-violence in our collective pursuit of a more peaceful and just world.

As we commemorate this day, let us honor their courage and commit ourselves to working towards a future where terrorism and violence are replaced by dialogue, understanding, and the enduring values of non-violence.

As the representative of the families who have endured unimaginable pain, and on the International Day of Non-Violence, we call on the international community to support our demand for justice, accountability, and the protection of our rights.

The families we represent have seen their lives torn apart by violence. Our loved ones, innocent civilians, have been taken from us by acts of terrorism that left us with searing pain, unanswered questions, and the relentless struggle for justice.

It is our fervent plea that the international community recognizes the urgency of our situation and takes decisive action to address it. We call upon nations around the world to:

Put leaders of terrorist groups on trial: The leaders of these terrorist organizations, including the MEK, must be brought to justice. They should face trial for the crimes they have committed, including bombings, assassinations, and attacks that took the lives of innocent people.

Designate the MEK and other groups as terrorist organizations: We urge countries, which have not designated the MEK as a terrorist organization, to give the designation, which is essential to ensure that such groups will not operate freely and inflict harm on innocent civilians.

Promote non-violence and peace: On the International Day of Non-Violence, we emphasize the importance of promoting non-violence and peace as a tool to resolve conflicts and address grievances. The world should unite in the pursuit of peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives.

Our demand for justice is not rooted in revenge but in the hope that no other family endures the pain we have suffered. We believe that holding to account those responsible for such heinous acts will serve as a deterrent against future acts of terrorism and violence.

We, the families of terrorism victims in Iran, extend our hands to the international community, calling on you to stand with us in our quest for justice, peace, and the protection of our rights. Together, we can honor the principles of non-violence and work towards a world where terrorism and violence are replaced by dialogue, understanding, and the enduring values of humanity.

Source: www.habilian.ir/en

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