Amid indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, a complaint has been filed in a Swiss court against Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and a member of the country’s negotiating team.
According to the lawyers involved, the Deputy Foreign Minister has been accused of “crimes against humanity” for his alleged role in the suppression of anti-government protests in Iran.
The complaint was submitted by an Iranian-Swiss citizen and claims that Kazem Gharibabadi “may have committed serious crimes in violation of international law” during the crackdown on the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in custody.
The filing states that he could be considered “an accomplice in the commission of a crime” or, at the very least, held responsible due to his position of authority at the time the events occurred.
William Bourdon and Philippine Vagneux, two French lawyers handling the case, said: “We expect the Swiss authorities to arrest the accused as soon as possible.”
In a statement sent to Agence France-Presse (AFP), they added: “There is no alternative. The obligation to arrest him is mandatory under both Swiss law and international law. Otherwise, the fight against impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes will remain merely a dream.”
Swiss judicial authorities confirmed that the Office of the Attorney General has received the complaint and that the case is “being examined in accordance with standard procedures.”
In a statement, they emphasized that “the filing of a criminal complaint does not necessarily mean that judicial proceedings have been initiated.”
The complaint has been filed under the principle of “universal jurisdiction,” which allows countries to prosecute allegations of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide regardless of where the alleged crimes were committed.
Kazem Gharibabadi’s presence in Iran’s negotiating delegation has previously sparked controversy as well.
